Introduction
Using water is a common method for cooling down dogs in the summer heat. Placing a dog’s paws in water can provide rapid cooling by taking advantage of the blood vessels and high evaporation capability. However, there are risks associated with using cold water, and precautions should be taken. This article provides an overview of how water cools dogs, guidelines for safe usage, and alternative cooling methods for dogs.
How Dogs Cool Themselves
Dogs primarily rely on panting to cool themselves down. Panting brings cool air into the nasal passages across the moist surfaces of the nose and mouth, which promotes evaporative cooling as moisture evaporates. This evaporation helps regulate their body temperature [1].
Dogs also sweat through the pads on their paws, which provides additional evaporative cooling. However, this accounts for only a small amount of heat loss. The main purpose of paw pad sweating is to help Dogs gain traction [2].
In addition to panting and sweating, dogs make behavioral changes to keep cool. They tend to be less active in hot weather to reduce body heat production. Many dogs will also seek out shade or cooler surfaces like tile floors to lay on [3].
Blood Vessels in Dog Paws
Dogs have specialized blood vessels in their paws that help regulate temperature. According to research, networks of veins and arteries in dog paws work to either conserve or dissipate heat depending on the environment. In cold weather, these blood vessels constrict to reduce blood flow to the surface of the paw, preventing heat loss. In hot weather, the vessels dilate to increase blood flow to the surface, releasing heat. This vascular regulation allows dog paws to withstand extreme temperatures from -35°C to as hot as burning sand.
Water’s High Heat Capacity
Water has a much higher heat capacity than air, meaning it can absorb more heat energy while maintaining a stable temperature. The specific heat capacity of water is about 4 times higher than that of air (URL). This allows water to absorb heat from a dog’s paws without heating up rapidly. As dogs have sweat glands only on their paw pads, the high heat capacity of water allows evaporative cooling to take place as the water absorbs heat.
Evaporative Cooling
Evaporative cooling is one of the most effective ways for dogs to lower their body temperature. When water evaporates from a dog’s coat or paws, it draws heat away from the body in a process called evaporative cooling. This works because of water’s high heat of vaporization – it takes a significant amount of heat to turn liquid water into water vapor. For example, when a dog’s paw is wet, the water absorbs heat from the paw as it evaporates into the air. This evaporation helps cool the blood vessels in the paws, which in turn cools the blood flowing to the rest of the body (https://ruffwear.com/pages/evaporative-cooling-101).
Evaporative cooling works best when there is airflow, so dogs can maximize cooling by wetting their coats and then finding a breezy spot, or using a fan. Cooling vests and mats that wet a dog’s fur work on this principle as well. The key is facilitating evaporation through wetting and air movement (https://doggearreview.com/article/coolingvest/). Overall, evaporative cooling is an effective way to prevent overheating on hot days.
Risks of Cold Water
While dipping a dog’s paws in cold water may provide temporary relief on a hot day, using water that is too cold comes with some risks that owners should be aware of.
According to The effects of cold water on your dog, exposing dogs to water that is too cold can lead to hypothermia. This occurs when a dog’s body temperature drops dangerously low. Hypothermia can cause neurological problems, heart problems, kidney failure, and slowed breathing and heart rate. Severe hypothermia can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Even if the water temperature does not cause full-blown hypothermia, cold water may still be painful for dogs. Their paws are sensitive areas with many blood vessels near the surface. Sudden immersion in cold water can cause discomfort or even numbness in their paws.
There is also a risk of injury if dogs are allowed to walk on hard, slippery surfaces like tile or concrete after their paws have been in cold water. The temperature change can make paws more prone to cuts or scrapes, according to Will Ice Cubes and Ice Water Kill Your Dog This Summer?. Owners should avoid having dogs walk on hard surfaces immediately after cold water exposure.
Alternatives to Cool Dogs
To keep dogs cool without using water, there are some simple alternatives to try before resorting to cold water which can shock their system. Here are some effective ways to help dogs cool down:
Providing shade is one of the easiest ways to lower body temperature and prevent overheating. Trees, awnings, or shelters allow dogs to get out of direct sunlight and find relief in the shade (Source).
Having dogs lie on cool floors, especially tile, can draw heat away from their bodies so they maintain a safe temperature. Hardwood, linoleum, concrete, and other cool surfaces give dogs a place to rest and cool down (Source).
Using a fan to circulate air can be an effective way to keep dogs cool, as the airflow and windchill will lower their body heat. Direct the fan to blow over your dog’s body while they are resting (Source).
Placing a cool, wet towel over your dog’s belly or paws can help lower their temperature. Focus on areas with less fur for better heat transfer. Change towels frequently as they warm up (Source).
Guidelines for Using Water
When using water to cool down a dog, it’s important to follow some guidelines to keep them safe and comfortable:
-
Water temperature – Water that is too cold can shock a dog’s system. Aim for cool but not icy water. A good gauge is to use water you would be comfortable having splash on your skin.
-
Time limits – Dogs should not be left in water for extended periods of time as their coat will take time to dry afterwards. Limit water exposure to just a few minutes at a time.
-
Drying off – After water exposure, thoroughly dry the dog’s coat with a towel. Letting the coat air dry can actually trap heat in. Make sure to dry feet, ears and hard to reach spots.
Following these simple guidelines allows water to cool down a dog safely and effectively. Monitor your dog’s temperature and comfort level, and avoid over-using water to prevent chilling.
Signs of Overheating
Some of the most common signs that a dog is overheating include:
Excessive panting – Dogs pant to help cool themselves down. However, when panting becomes frantic and nonstop, it’s a clear sign a dog is too hot (Is My Dog Overheated?, 2022). Panting that doesn’t subside even when the dog rests in the shade is especially concerning.
Lethargy – An overheated dog will often become very tired and lethargic. They may stop playing or moving around and just lay down (AKC, 2022). This decreased activity level helps conserve body heat.
Excessive drooling – Dogs drool more when they’re hot in an effort to coat their mouths and cool the blood flow to their brains (Is your dog overheated?, 2022). Heavy drooling paired with panting can be an indicator a dog is overheating.
Vomiting – Dogs may vomit when they become overheated. This is often from a combination of panting, drooling, and drinking water too quickly (AKC, 2022). Vomiting can lead to further dehydration, making overheating worse.
Conclusion
In most cases, putting a dog’s paws in cool water can help lower their body temperature and prevent overheating. The paws contain many blood vessels close to the surface that, when placed in cool water, rapidly transfer heat away from the body. Just a few minutes of paws soaking can cool a dog down. However, take care not to use water that is too cold, as this may constrict blood vessels instead. Monitor your dog’s signals, keep water tepid, and limit time in the water. Cooling paws can provide temporary relief but isn’t a substitute for access to shade, rest, and hydration. Avoid overheating by being attentive to weather conditions and your dog’s needs.