Keeping Your Car Cool for Dogs: Essential Tips

Did you know that 1 in 7 dogs taken to the vet with heatstroke don’t make it¹? Summer heat is rising, making it vital to keep your dog safe and cool in the car. Cars can turn deadly for dogs in minutes, with temperatures soaring. It’s key to take steps to avoid heatstroke when you’re out with your pet.

Key Takeaways

• Leaving dogs in hot cars can quickly lead to heatstroke, a potentially fatal condition
• Dogs are at a higher risk of heatstroke due to their lack of sweat glands and fur coats
• Certain breeds, such as Bulldogs and Greyhounds, are specially vulnerable to heat-related issues
• Quickly cooling down a dog and seeking veterinary attention is critical if heatstroke is suspected
• Using car cooling accessories and checking the temperature can help keep your dog safe

Introduction to Keeping Your Car Cool for Dogs

Leaving a dog in a hot car can be very dangerous. The² temperature inside a car can rise by nearly 30°F in just 20 minutes. This can cause heatstroke, organ failure, and even death².

Dogs can only cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paw pads. This is often not enough to keep their body temperature down in a hot car.

Why Leaving Dogs in Hot Cars is Dangerous

² A dog’s body temperature is 2 degrees warmer than a human’s. Their normal body temperature is between 38.3°C to 39.2°C². When it’s 23°C outside, the car can reach 47°C in just 10 minutes².

At 40°C, a dog is at risk of heatstroke. This is a life-threatening condition that can cause brain damage and organ failure if not treated quickly³. Heat stroke kills hundreds of dogs every summer, showing how important it is to keep them cool.

Reasons for Leaving Dogs in Cars

There are many reasons why dog owners might leave their pets in the car. This includes running quick errands, visiting the vet, or going to dog-related activities. While it’s not ideal, with the right precautions, it can sometimes be necessary.

² Small dogs get hotter faster than big dogs because of their faster metabolisms. Stressed dogs have higher body temperatures and thirst, making them more uncomfortable in the heat³. It’s important to keep them hydrated and take breaks from the heat to prevent illnesses.

“Recommendations include using cooling vests and mats to keep dogs comfortable and chilled, and it is suggested to acclimatize dogs to carriers and cooling equipment by using tasty treats and positive associations.”²

³ Travelling at cooler times, like early morning or evening, helps keep dogs cool³. It’s good to have water, ice cubes, and wet towels ready to cool down an overheated dog. Dogs may not want to drink when they’re hot, so using isotonic drinks or pre-packed broth is a good alternative.

Why Cars Heat Up So Quickly

Cars heat up fast because of the sun’s rays. These rays hit the car and some are reflected, while others are absorbed. This turns into heat that warms the air inside⁴. With the car closed, this hot air can’t escape, making the inside very hot⁴.

The American Veterinary Medical Association warns that a car’s temperature can jump nearly 30 degrees in 20 minutes. On a 90-degree day, it can reach nearly 120 degrees⁵. This is very dangerous for pets, as dogs can easily overheat⁴.

• Aluminet car shades can reflect up to 70% of the sun’s rays and infrared radiation to help maintain a cooler car interior⁴.
• Cooling fans, like the RYOBI ONE+ 18V Hybrid Portable Fan, can circulate air around a dog and provide much-needed relief⁴.
• The Gunner Fan Kit for car crates is weather and dustproof, with a battery life of up to 20 hours on a full charge⁴.

By understanding how cars heat up and using cooling solutions, we can keep our dogs safe and cool. This is important on hot summer days⁴.

“The temperature inside a vehicle can rise nearly 30 degrees in 20 minutes, leaving the interior at nearly 120 degrees on a 90-degree day.” – American Veterinary Medical Association⁵

To fight the car greenhouse effect, we can use tailgate locks or door vents. These help air flow better while keeping our dogs safe⁴. Dog crates made for car travel also offer a safe, airy space for our pets⁴.

Portable, battery-powered pet air conditioners like the IcyBreeze are a great solution. They cool the air up to 35 degrees without needing the car to run⁵. These cool systems help keep dogs safe and comfortable during hot outings⁵.

Preventing Car from Heating Up

Keeping a car cool for dogs is key to avoid overheating dangers. Reflective car sunshades, like Aluminet⁶, are very effective. They reflect sun rays, keeping the car cool inside.

Using Reflective Sunshades

Reflective car sun shades, or aluminet car shades, are great for keeping cars cool for pets⁶. They reflect sun rays, stopping the car from getting too hot. On a hot day, a car can get over 100 degrees in just 10 minutes if the windows are open a bit⁶.

These shades block the heat, making the car a more comfortable place for pets.

Allowing Airflow through Windows

Letting air flow through the car’s windows is also important. Even a small crack in the window can help cool the car down⁶. This airflow keeps the air inside from getting too hot.

Using reflective sunshades and keeping windows open helps keep cars cool and safe for dogs, even on very hot days⁶.

Cooling Methods for Dogs in Cars

Keeping our dogs cool and safe in hot weather is very important when we travel with them. We can use several ways to cool them down, aside from giving them cool water. These methods help beat the heat⁷.

Non-Spill Water Bowls

Non-spill water bowls for cars are a big help for keeping dogs hydrated on the move. These bowls are made to stay upright and not spill, even if they get knocked over. This way, our dogs can always have cool water to drink and stay comfy⁷.

Cooling Mats and Vests

There’s more to keeping dogs cool than just water. Cooling mats and vests use special technology to cool down our dogs’ bodies. They help lower our dogs’ body temperature and keep them cool, even when it’s very hot⁷.

Using these cooling methods when we travel in our cars helps our dogs stay cool and hydrated, even in the hottest weather⁸.

Monitoring Car Temperature for Dogs

Keeping your dog safe and comfy in the car is key. A digital car thermometer⁹ is a great tool for this. It lets you track the car’s temperature, helping you decide when it’s safe to leave your pet alone.

Digital Thermometers for Cars

Digital car thermometers give you real-time temperature updates. They alert you if it’s too hot or cold for your dog. For example, the PuppComm system checks the temperature every 30 seconds⁹.

It also has a sticker for people to scan and check on your dog⁹. This is super helpful if you need to run errands and can’t take your dog with you.

The Waggle Pet Temperature Monitor is another great option. It tracks temperature and humidity in cars¹⁰. You can set limits and get alerts if it gets too hot or cold¹⁰. Some models even track your dog’s location and movement¹⁰.

These thermometers won’t cool your car, but they help keep your dog safe. By watching the temperature, you can decide when it’s okay to leave your pet alone. This way, you can avoid overheating issues.

“For William Loopesko, founder of PuppTech, the idea for the PuppComm system arose after a personal experience hiking in the mountains with his dog.”⁹

Securing Airflow for Dog Comfort

Keeping our dogs cool and comfy in the car is key, more so in the hot summer. Using a tailgate lock or similar device helps keep the car’s rear open¹¹. This lets air flow through, keeping the car cool for our furry friends¹¹. Tailgate locks keep the trunk or hatch open, letting in air while keeping unwanted visitors out.

Tailgate Locks for Airflow

Car window guards are another great tool for airflow. They fit over the windows, letting air in while keeping your dog safe¹². These guards prevent your dog from sticking their head out or jumping from the car¹².

Car Window Guards

It’s important to keep our dogs cool and comfy in the car. Tailgate locks and car window guards help make sure they get the air they need¹¹¹²¹³.

how to keep a car cool for dogs

Keeping our dogs safe and comfy in the car is key. We can stop them from getting too hot by using smart strategies and cool products¹⁴.

Reflective sunshades on car windows are a great idea. They block the sun’s strong rays, making the car cooler¹⁵. Also, opening windows a bit helps air move and cool things down¹⁵.

Cooling mats and vests for dogs can be a big help. But, be careful with gel mats as dogs might chew on them and get sick¹⁴. Ice-based mats are safer, keeping the surface not too cold for dogs¹⁴. The Hydro Triple-Layer Cooling Mat is a good choice, staying cool for a long time¹⁴.

Self-cooling beds and blankets can also make dogs feel better. They absorb and release heat, keeping dogs cool without needing to cool themselves¹⁴. Cooling vests work like human sweat, keeping dogs cool for a longer time¹⁴. These products help dogs stay cool by cooling their chest area, where blood circulates¹⁴.

By using these tips, we can make sure our dogs are comfy and safe on our trips¹⁵.

By using these methods and the right products, we can keep our dogs cool and safe on our travels¹⁵.

Portable Air Conditioning Units for Dogs

Portable, battery-powered air conditioning units are a great way to keep dogs cool in cars. These units can cool the car’s interior even when it’s turned off. They run on rechargeable batteries, making them eco-friendly for your pet’s comfort¹⁶.

Battery-Powered AC Units

Battery-operated car AC units are easy to use and keep your dog cool. They are small, portable, and can run for a long time. This means your dog stays cool even when the car is off¹⁶.

Ice-Based Cooling Systems

Ice-based systems cool the air using ice or frozen water. They are a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to keep dogs cool. These systems are not as strong as AC units but are a good alternative¹⁷.

It’s important to use cooling pads, vests, and give dogs water to fight heat stress¹⁷. Portable fans, cooling pads, and vests help keep pets cool in hot weather¹⁷.

Dogs can’t tell us when they’re too hot. Owners need to watch for signs like droopy ears and a fast heartbeat¹⁶. Heatstroke symptoms include panting a lot and acting disoriented¹⁶.

When dogs show heatstroke signs, cool them with water and move them to a cooler place¹⁶. Keeping dogs cool in summer is key, with shade, water, and a cool surface¹⁶. Dog kennel air conditioners use a lot of energy and don’t cool open spaces well¹⁶.

Evaporative coolers, like Portacool models, are good for keeping dogs cool outside. They work by cooling hot air through a wet media¹⁶. Portacool coolers are made in Texas and are known for their quality and customer service¹⁶. They offer warranties and support to ensure they work well for a long time¹⁶.

Cooling Dogs Outside the Car

When your dog is outside, there are ways to keep them cool. Dog cooling vests and cooling bandanas are made to stop dogs from getting too hot¹⁸. They use cooling technology to keep your dog’s body temperature just right¹⁸.

Cooling Vests and Bandanas

Wet the cooling gear and let it dry to make it cool. You can find these products at pet stores or online¹⁸. They help keep your dog cool when they’re outside¹⁸.

Providing Water and Frozen Treats

Make sure your dog has cool water and frozen treats. This helps them stay cool in the heat¹⁸. Giving them small amounts of water often and frozen treats can help¹⁸.

Using these methods can help your dog stay cool outside. Dog cooling vests for hot weather and dog cooling bandanas are great for keeping them cool¹⁸.

“Traveling with cool water for dogs during the summer is recommended to keep them hydrated and cool.”¹⁸

Signs of Overheating in Dogs

As dog owners, it’s vital to watch for signs of overheating in our pets. Dogs usually have a body temperature between 99-102.5°F. But, when they get too hot, their temperature can jump up quickly¹⁹. Breeds with flat faces, like brachycephalic dogs, are more likely to get too hot because they can’t cool down properly¹⁹.

Heat stroke happens when a dog’s body temperature goes over 105°F¹⁹. As their temperature gets higher, they may start panting a lot, drooling, and even have seizures¹⁹. It’s key to spot these signs and cool them down fast.

• Excessive panting
• Excessive drooling
• Incoordination
• Seizures
• Brain damage

Helping an overheated dog lie down in a cool spot can help cool them down¹⁹. Wrap ice packs in a towel before putting them on the dog’s skin to avoid burns¹⁹. Giving them cool water and letting them rest in a shaded area can also help.

A dog only needs a few degrees over 102°F to get overheated²⁰. As they pant more, they try to cool down, but it might not be enough in very hot places²⁰. If their body temperature goes over 106°F, they can face serious health problems²⁰.

Double-coated and brachycephalic dogs are more likely to get too hot because of their fur and breathing²⁰. Owners should also watch out for older dogs, sick pets, and those with breathing problems²⁰. Using cooling products and fans can help keep dogs cool²⁰.

Knowing the signs of overheating and acting fast is key to keeping dogs safe²⁰. By understanding the risks and taking steps to prevent overheating, we can keep our dogs happy and healthy, even when it’s very hot.

Conclusion

Keeping our dogs safe and cool in cars is very important, more so in hot summer days. We’ve learned about the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars and how to cool them down. Now, we know how to keep our furry friends safe and cool²¹.

Using reflective sunshades and allowing air to flow can help a lot. Cooling accessories like water bowls, mats, and vests also play a big role. These steps can help prevent heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses in dogs²².

It’s also key to check the car’s temperature and provide water or cooling treatments when needed. This can make a huge difference in keeping our dogs safe and comfortable²³.

Remember, our dogs’ safety and well-being are always our main concern, even more so in the summer. By following the tips and strategies in this article, we can ensure our dogs have a cool and comfortable ride, no matter the weather²¹²²²³.

Source Links

1. Keeping your dog cool in summer – https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/how-can-i-keep-my-dog-cool/
2. No title found – https://www.thejcbgroup.co.uk/blog/advice-info/cool-dogs/
3. How To Keep Dogs Cool in Summer: 17 Ways to Beat the Heat – https://toegrips.com/how-to-keep-dog-cool-in-summer/
4. Dog Car Setup for the Summer (How to keep a car cool for a dog) – https://doggearreview.com/article/dogcarsetupforthesummer/
5. How to Keep Your Dog Cool In a Locked Car… The Safe Way – https://www.icybreeze.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-dog-cool-in-a-locked-car-the-safe-way/
6. Keep pets safe in the heat – https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/keep-pets-safe-heat
7. 20 Cheap Ways To Keep Your Furry Friends Healthy in the Heat :: Sunmark Credit Union | The Bright Way To Bank – https://www.sunmark.org/connect/sunmark-360/20-cheap-ways-keep-your-furry-friends-healthy-heat
8. 8 Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer – Budget Direct – https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/pet-insurance/guides/8-tips-to-keep-your-dog-cool-in-summer.html
9. PuppTech Provides a Pet Monitoring System for Vehicles – https://www.digi.com/resources/customer-stories/pupptech-pet-monitoring-system-for-vehicles
10. Waggle Pet Monitor: Car Temperature Alert for Dogs – YouDidWhatWithYourWiener.com – https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/waggle-pet-monitor-car-temperature-alarm-for-dogs/
11. How to Cool Down a Dog: A Veterinarian’s 10 Tips – https://toegrips.com/how-to-cool-down-dog/
12. How To Cool Down A Dog: Chill Out Dog; We Have Some Effective Methods – Snouts and Stouts – https://snoutsnstouts.com/dog-safety/how-to-cool-down-a-dog/
13. How to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Heat – 24 Hour Dog Daycare – https://www.24hourdogdaycare.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-dog-cool-in-the-summer-heat/
14. How to keep dogs cool in the summer heat – https://doggearreview.com/article/cooldog/
15. Hot dogs? No thanks! Keep your canines cool in the car as temperatures soar | Škoda UK – https://www.skoda.co.uk/news/details/hot-dogs-no-thanks-keep-your-canines-cool-in-the-car-as-temperatures-soar
16. How Do I Keep My Pet Cool in Summer? | Portacool Pet Air Cooler – https://portacool.com/evaporative-coolers-pets/
17. Keeping pets cool in summer? 🌞 – https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/keeping-pets-cool-in-summer/52035
18. 6 Tips To Keep Your Dog Cool In The Car during Spring and Summer – Suburb Service – https://suburbservice.net/subaru-news/6-tips-to-keep-your-dog-cool-in-the-car
19. Dog Overheating? Reading This Could Save Your Dog’s Life – https://toegrips.com/dog-overheating/
20. No title found – https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dogs-overheating-signs-symptoms-prevention/
21. 8 Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer – Dtails Pet Spa – https://dtailspetspa.com/dog-grooming/8-tips-to-keep-your-dog-cool-in-summer/
22. Keeping Dogs Cool in Summer – https://pawious.com/es/blogs/learning-and-helpful-information/keeping-dogs-cool-in-summer?srsltid=AfmBOooMCmQJMp7xIdMOSeQmOC406ObS_qyHA19eo-xztn4cUhqjLUan
23. 10 Essential Tips to Prevent Heatstroke in Pets | Animal Wellness and Rehabilitation Center – https://www.awrcknoxville.com/07/10-essential-tips-to-prevent-heatstroke-in-pets/