How To Keep A Dog Cool In A Car ?

How To Keep A Dog Cool In A Car :-It’s that time of year again when knowing how to keep your dog cool in the car becomes paramount. Despite pleasant temperatures outside, parked cars can quickly turn into heat traps, resembling greenhouses under the sun. In just 10 minutes, the interior of a stationary car can soar to a scorching 47 degrees Celsius, even if it’s only 23 degrees Celsius outside.

Ensuring your canine companion stays cool, calm, and comfortable during car rides is essential for their physical and mental well-being. According to canine behaviorist Anna Webb, a relaxed dog during travel is less likely to feel overheated, as heightened cortisol levels can raise body temperature and induce thirst.

While understanding how to cool down a dog is crucial during warmer months, prevention is key to safeguarding your dog’s health from overheating. To aid you in this endeavor, Webb generously shares her top 10 tips for keeping your dog cool in the car this summer. 

Top tips for travelling with your dog during the summer

• Ensure you carry water at all times and offer it to your dog regularly, especially during car rides. Collapsible water bowls are convenient for staying hydrated on the go.
• Bring along a cooling mat for your dog to lie on if needed, providing a comfortable spot to chill during travel.
• Never leave your dog unattended in the car, especially in hot weather, as temperatures can quickly become dangerous.
• Consider grooming your dog at the beginning of the warmer season to help them regulate their temperature better with a tangle-free coat.
• Before walking your dog on concrete, check the pavement’s heat to prevent paw burns or discomfort.
• Carry pet-safe sunblock for dogs with pale skin or exposed areas. Ensure the sunblock does not contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).

How to keep your dog cool in hot weather this summer

We all understand the risks of leaving dogs in hot cars unattended, but what if you have to embark on a long journey with your furry friend during the scorching summer months? Škoda, dedicated to canine welfare after sponsoring the Crufts Dog Show 2023, sought advice from top canine behavior and nutrition expert, Anna Webb, on how to keep dogs comfortable and cool in such situations.

Understanding the Facts About Temperature

Did you know that a dog’s body temperature is typically 2 degrees warmer than that of a human, ranging between 38.3° – 39.2°C? Smaller dogs tend to get hotter quicker due to their faster metabolisms. In warm weather, a car can quickly turn into a greenhouse, with temperatures soaring. For instance, if it’s 23°C outside, the car’s interior can skyrocket to 47°C in just 10 minutes. Anna emphasized that once a dog’s temperature hits 40°C, they are at risk of heatstroke.

Mental State and Body Temperature

Interestingly, a dog’s mental state can influence its body temperature. A relaxed dog is less likely to feel the heat. Conversely, heightened cortisol levels in a stressed dog can lead to increased body temperature and thirst.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL IN A LOCKED CAR

Every day, pet owners find themselves in situations where their furry companions need to stay safely in the car. You adore your pet and want to bring them along wherever you go.

Whether you’re running errands or heading to appointments like a vet visit or a grooming session, or simply enjoying outdoor activities like a trip to the dog park or a day by the lake, there are countless reasons why your dog might accompany you on a car ride.

However, leaving your pet in the car, even for a short while, can pose serious risks, especially in hot weather. We’ve all seen heartbreaking news reports of pets suffering in sweltering cars, with temperatures soaring to dangerous levels within minutes.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise nearly 30 degrees in just 20 minutes, leaving the interior scorching hot, even on a relatively mild day. Such extreme heat puts your beloved pet at risk of heatstroke and even death.

As a truck driver who often travels long distances with your furry friend, ensuring their safety and comfort in your rig is paramount. While your trucking company may allow pets on board, there are times when they can’t leave the vehicle, leaving you wondering how to keep them cool and safe.

You’ve got the essentials covered—a dog kennel, a cozy bed, food and water dishes, and chew toys. But what about keeping them cool during those long journeys? Investing in a pet air conditioner designed specifically for your canine companion can provide the comfort and peace of mind you need on the road.

Anna Webb’s top tips for cool, car-safe pooches:

A dog’s body temperature consistently runs two degrees warmer than ours, typically ranging between 38.3°C and 39.2°C. Small dogs tend to generate more heat due to their faster metabolisms compared to larger breeds. It’s crucial never to leave your dog alone in a parked car, even with the windows cracked open or in the shade, as the vehicle can quickly become a heat trap. On a 22°C day, temperatures inside a stationary car can skyrocket to 47°C in less than 10 minutes.

Before embarking on any long journey, especially in hot weather, it’s essential to desensitize your dog to car travel. Look out for signs that your dog might be feeling the heat, such as excessive panting, drooling, or restlessness. A relaxed dog is less likely to overheat, as heightened cortisol levels can increase body temperature and thirst.

Investing in cooling vests and mats can help keep your dog comfortable by regulating their body temperature. Ensure your dog is familiar and comfortable with their carrier, which should be well-ventilated and spacious enough for them to move around. Using tasty treats during training sessions indoors can help acclimate your dog to wearing cooling accessories.

Before putting on a cooling vest, soak it in cold water to activate its cooling properties. Re-dampen the vest as needed, perhaps during comfort breaks at rest stops. Pairing these training sessions with calming playlists like the Skoda Happy Hounds playlist can create positive associations with car travel for your dog.

Before hitting the road, check that your car’s air conditioning reaches the back seat or cargo area. If not, consider attaching portable fans to improve air circulation. Take regular breaks in shaded areas and avoid hot surfaces like tarmac and concrete, which can burn your dog’s paw pads.

Travel during cooler times of the day, such as early morning or evening, and bring plenty of fresh water and ice cubes for hydration. Keep a wet towel in your cooler bag to wrap around your dog if they overheat, and consider packing isotonic hydration drinks or broth to encourage hydration.

Finally, bring familiar toys, chews, and blankets to make your dog feel at home during your “staycation” destination. With proper preparation and care, you can ensure your furry friend stays cool and comfortable during summer road trips.