As temperatures rise, an easy and smart way to protect dogs from heat-related problems has been discovered, providing a quicker and more effective method to prevent overheating in hot weather.

New research from the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) shows that getting dogs to dunk their heads in water is the most effective way to cool them down quickly after exercise (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Voluntary head dunking after exercise-induced hyperthermia rapidly reduces core body temperature in dogs

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Researchers at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, University of Pennsylvania, compared different cooling methods and found that head dunking not only cools dogs faster but also helps prevent dangerous temperature spikes after physical activity.

How Head Cooling Helps Dogs Beat the Heat

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This study changes our understanding of cooling methods in the dog,” said Dr. Cynthia M. Otto, lead author of the study and executive director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center. “During heat stress, blood flow to the head, nose, tongue, and ears is increased. Cooling the tissues of the head allows for rapid cooling of the whole body with limited amounts of water. Furthermore, training the dog to participate in the cooling process can enhance not only its safety but the human-animal bond.”

Heat-related illness is a serious risk for dogs, especially during warm weather when dogs can quickly overheat during activities, putting them at risk of heat injury or heat stroke. The research emphasizes the critical rule of “Cool first, transport second,” which encourages owners to begin cooling dogs immediately if they show signs of heat stress, before seeking veterinary care.

Among the methods tested, only the voluntary head dunking technique, where dogs are trained to dip their heads into the water, prevented dangerous post-exercise temperature spikes, while also cooling dogs faster than the other methods.

Teaching Dogs to Dunk Their Heads for Fast Cooling

As described in the research, voluntary head dunking uses positive reinforcement training to encourage and reward dogs for submerging their heads in a bucket of water to retrieve a toy or treat. Clean room temperature water is added stepwise until the dog is comfortable immersing its head to retrieve the toy or treat.

By teaching dogs to perform this task, owners can help their pets flush their noses and eyes off dust and debris while also providing quick relief from overheating. The research found that dogs trained in this technique could cool down more rapidly after exercise compared to other cooling methods. Additionally, the head dunking can help clear debris from a dog’s nose and eyes, making it a versatile first-aid tool.

The researchers recommend training dogs in this technique, as it could serve as a valuable skill in the event of heat stress, especially during outdoor activities like hiking or running. It’s important to note that training may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual dog’s comfort level and motivation.

As summer continues and many pet owners enjoy outdoor activities with their dogs, these studies provide timely and relevant information for pet owners. Whether for canine athletes, working dogs, or pets enjoying a day at the park, the head dunking method offers a simple way to manage heat stress.

Reference:

1. Voluntary head dunking after exercise-induced hyperthermia rapidly reduces core body temperature in dogs – (https:avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/aop/javma.24.06.0368/javma.24.06.0368.xml)

Source-Eurekalert