Summer is an ideal time to work on tactical training alongside your best buddy. Of course, we’re talking about no other than your awesomest furry friend, the K9 partner! Also known as a good dog!
But while your doggy pal will be happy to exercise, you’d better be prepared for the possible health risks they’ll face from being out in the sun. In this article, we’ll talk all about K9 summer safety, outdoor dog hydration strategies and the best gear for K9 handlers during the high temp months.
K9 SUMMER SAFETY: SIGNS OF CANINE OVERHEATING
Your dog can be your best tactical partner, but you have to make allowances for canine traits. A dog’s physiology is different from a human’s in a number of aspects. Our furry friends do not deal with high temperatures the same way we do. While humans release perspiration to cool off the body, dogs can’t do so very effectively. They mainly have sweat glands in the paw pads underneath their feet. Yes, dogs are therefore able to perspire through their paws, but it doesn’t help all that much in regulating their body temperature.
Dogs mainly expel heat through panting. This behavior facilitates the evaporation of moisture from their mouth interior and tongue. Panting can serve to quickly lower a dog’s body temperature. You’ll often see a dog panting after exertion or being exposed to high heat.
A working dog may end up being outside on a hot summer day for a long time. When a dog is out in the heat for too long, overheating becomes a concern. While you certainly should do your best to keep your K9 from experiencing too much of a hot day, sometimes one miscalculates. Just in case, you should be aware of the signs of excessive overheating in dogs.
Rapid, unmodulated panting is one clear sign. You should take care to know your dog well, and be able to tell the difference between a normal level of panting and an excessive one. Also be on the lookout for other signs: their gums or membranes turning bright red, their saliva getting excessively thick, their eyes becoming glassy. A dog suffering from the heat may begin vomiting or experiencing diarrhea. As the condition gets more serious, the dog may have difficulty standing or even have a seizure.
You should be able to see the signs of the dog’s distress before things get that far.
K9 SUMMER SAFETY: HOW TO PREVENT CANINE OVERHEATING
Keep in mind your dog’s vulnerabilities. Different K9 breeds have different limitations when it comes to dealing with high temps. Short snouted dogs may be more sensitive to heat and humidity, and require closer monitoring on a hot day. Double-coated dogs may be at a higher risk of overheating. Dogs with black or dark coats tend to absorb heat more quickly than light coated dogs. Knowing your dog’s specific vulnerabilities will go far in helping you manage their care in the summer sun.
Give a K9 time to acclimate. Basically, a dog needs to adjust to their working conditions or environment—which includes the ambient temperature. Take it slow. Allow them to experience a gradual adjustment. If they’ve been active recently, you may want to have them rest a bit before going out in the sun. Summer safety for working dogs includes avoiding drastic changes in environmental temperatures and conditions.
Condition your K9 over time. Dogs will be able to handle the summer heat better if they’re used to it. Conditioning a dog to thrive in a high temp environment may take a long time. It differs for every individual animal. Some can get used to it rather quickly. For others, the training can take months.
Be judicious when leaving your K9 in one spot for an extended period. You should not leave a dog inside a hot car. It’s a bad idea even when the temperature is mild, actually. Cars easily absorb and trap in heat. You might think it’s a cool day, but the dog stuck in the car for too long will still be at risk of overheating! Similarly, don’t get careless when leaving a crated dog in an enclosed place. You don’t want them to be stuck inside a tent, enclosure, or any space with limited ventilation or air circulation.
DOG COOLING TIPS: TACTICAL HYDRATION STRATEGIES
Outdoor dog hydration aids should always be included with the best gear for K9 handlers to acquire. Summer safety for working dogs comprises employing smart strategies to prevent dehydration, overheating and acute discomfort. Tactical gear for dogs to facilitate hydration include:
Collapsible bowls. Also called pet travel bowls or packable dog bowls, these are portable water receptacles, often made from a flexible, clothlike material. You can set them up to be freestanding bowls that hold water, and then drain and flatten them for safekeeping in your bag. Alternatively, you can find silicone bowls, which are designed with a collapsible structure. These types of bowls can be clipped to your tactical backpack for quicker access. Whichever type of product you choose, be sure to include a collapsible bowl with your K9 adventure gear or EDC.
K9 hydration packs. These devices are similar to the hydration packs employed by hikers. They consist of a water bladder that can be placed in a special pouch that is strapped on the K9. Usually, you’d attach it to the harness the dog is wearing.
K9 hydration powders. Specialized health supplements can aid K9 hydration and improve your dog’s performance. An electrolyte mix such as K9 BlueLite can replenish carbohydrates and other minerals lost via exertion. Many of these products, such as Replenish or Fido-Vite, come in powdered form. You add them to water to give to your K9.
Spray bottle. Not the best option for K9 owners whose dogs have been disciplined using spray bottles. (We do not recommend doing that!) However, if your dog is comfortable with it, you can cool them down using a device that sprays a light mist over their body.
DOG COOLING TIPS: COMFORT AND SHADE STRATEGIES
Yet more tactical gear for dogs to use in summer! While hydration is essential, your tactical preparation should include additional strategies to give you flexibility to act depending on the situation. Sometimes you’ll want to focus on giving the dog a drink. Sometimes you’ll want to improve their comfort or get them under the shade. Be equipped with the best gear for K9 handlers to use in response to various circumstances.
Breathable K9 vest. Your dog will feel more comfortable in the sun if they wear a vest that allows airflow. They’ll feel cooler and fresher. For a more tactical approach, look for a vest with leash integration and a modular design. That will allow you to easily secure a water bladder, cooling pad or even training treat packs to the vest.
Portable K9 shade. This product looks like a small pop-up tent or canopy device. It can serve as an instant shelter as well. The portable K9 shade is lightweight and easy to carry in a bag or tactical backpack. It is composed of a material that provides UV protection as well.
14er K9 patches. Summer safety for working dogs isn’t just about protection from the sun. You’ll want to avoid untoward incidents due to strangers trying to pet your dog or interact with your K9 in an unwelcome fashion. We highly recommend sticking 14er K9 patches to your dog’s vest or harness. These can display clear warnings such as ASK TO PET or WORKING: DO NOT TOUCH.
You might be surprised to learn that K9 patches have a storied history! Check out our article on the history of military doggos and the stylish side of K9 adventure gear.
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