As temperatures continue to soar across the country, a simple yet innovative technique could be the key to keeping dogs safe from heat-related illnesses.

New research published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) reveals that teaching dogs to voluntarily dunk their heads in water is the most effective method for rapidly cooling them down after exercise. The study, conducted by researchers at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center at the University of Pennsylvania, compared various cooling methods and found that voluntary head dunking not only cooled dogs faster than other techniques but also prevented dangerous post-exercise temperature spikes.

This method could be a game-changer for dog owners and handlers, especially in situations where access to large quantities of water is limited.

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."

The importance of cooling dogs quickly

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