How to keep dogs cool in extreme heat: Tips to keep your pup cool without air conditioning

No matter the season and depending on where you live, temperature sometimes get hot. Humans know methods to cool down on those scorching days, but our furry friends – on the other hand – cannot. 

Cases of heat stroke among dogs increase during the summer months, but it is important to keep an eye on your pet's health throughout the year. 

Your dog deserves to be cooled down in stifling heat. Keeping dogs cool does not have to be hard with these tips. Here are some steps for keeping your dog cool on even the hottest of days. 

How to keep dogs cool in the heat

Hydration is key when keeping your dog cool in the heat. Water makes up 60% of your pup's body, so it is vital for them drink the right amount every day. 

The amount of water your dog should drink varies depending on weight, but a rule of thumb is dogs should drink around 1 ounce, or 1/8 of a cup, of water per pound of body weight every day, PetMD reports. 

You should also avoid taking your dog out during the midday heat, according Purina. The middle of the day tends to be the hottest in terms of temperature, particularly around 3 p.m. It's best to keep your pet out of the Sun at that time and bring play and exercise indoors. 

Remember to never leave your dog in a parked car. Even if you've cracked the window, cars can reach high temperatures when left in direct sunlight. Internal temperatures of cars can go up to 131 to 172 degrees Fahrenheit, while outside temperatures are around 80 to 100 degrees, the CDC reports.

Be sure to have good air circulation in your home. Have air conditioners and fans to cool your space on hot days, says the American Kennel Club and Blue Cross. 

What is a heat wave?Here's what it is, how it effects your body and how to stay safe.

Does wetting a dog cool it down?

Wetting your dog is a solution to the heat, according to Blue Cross. Whether your dog is ready to jump into the water or it needs some coaxing, wetting your dog's coat can effectively cool them down. Even if your pup just dips its paws in, the water will be absorbed, and heat will be released through its paws.

Towels with cool water can decrease your dog's temperature as well. However, be sure to never use extremely cold water. Do not leave the towels on for long periods of time since they can make your pet hotter once the water is no longer cool. 

Spray bottles, cool packs and ice can also be used to wet and cool down a dog, according to the American Kennel Club.

How can you tell if a dog is overheated?

Dogs do not sweat like humans, so it is hard to exactly pinpoint when they are overheated.

Some signs to watch out for include frantic panting, extreme salivation and labored breathing, according to the American Kennel Club. When a dog starts to get hot, blood will rush to the surfaces of the tongue, gums and membranes to get rid of the excess heat. 

If these symptoms go unnoticed, a dog's mouth will turn grayish to purple from low oxygen levels, and the dog will struggle to breathe. 

If dehydration sets in, a dog's saliva will thicken, and they may vomit and/or have diarrhea, the American Kennel Club reports. In extreme cases, an overheated, dehydrated dog may experience seizures, coma or death.

If your dog experiences any of these symptoms, bring them to a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately, even if you have cooled them off and they begin to act normally.

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "How to keep your dog calm during fireworks?" to "What to bring to a cookout?" to "Can dogs eat watermelon?" – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.