NYC Dog News and Events
The Neighborhood Dogs Project
NYC dog, French Bulldog "Winnie" in Central Park, cooling off with a refreshing drink. Copyright C Pellicano 2009
NYC Dogs and Hot Weather
August 17, 2009
by Auntchristine
Remember, dogs cannot cool themselves down. They pant to try to cool off, but, when the air is hot and humid too, no amount of panting will help because they are pulling in deadly hot air instead of cooling breezes evaporating across their tongues. Do not put your dog in this circumstance. Keep him cool and keep him from over-exerting in the heat.
When a dog overheats, his circulatory system goes into shock. Cooling him quicklly in the right way is essential. You want to move immediately into a cool location, soak the dog thoroughly with cool water (to allow evaporation) and transport the dog to a veterinary emergency room (or vet's office if it is closer).
It is just smarter and safer however to not take the chance, don't go running with your dog, take brief potty break walks and stay in the shade, and, be especially careful with puppies, elderly dogs, chronically ill dogs, and, the Bully Breeds (Pugs, Frenchies, etc.)
For further information please read our current artilces on the NYC Neighborhood Dogs blog.