Sausage Dog Who Hates Swimming Has Hilarious Hack to Handle the Heat

A sausage dog's method of staying cool amid scorching heat has delighted viewers online.

Gary, a miniature dachshund, was found making the most of a small patch of shade in an outdoor swimming pool during hot conditions in Arizona. His owner, Timur Akdemir, captured the moment and shared it to Instagram on May 24, where it has been liked more than 33,000 times.

"We were on vacation at my partner Sabrina's parents house in Arizona where the daytime temperature was 100 degrees Fahrenheit," Akdemir, from San Diego, California, told Newsweek. "Gary hates water, but he was so hot outside that I picked him up and placed him in the shallow end of the pool."

From left: Gary poses for his owner; and keeps cool in a swimming pool. The miniature dachshund's owner, Timur Akdemir, spoke with Newsweek about his dog's viral heat hack. From left: Gary poses for his owner; and keeps cool in a swimming pool. The miniature dachshund's owner, Timur Akdemir, spoke with Newsweek about his dog's viral heat hack. @garytheweenie

"I expected him to not like it and run away, but instead he just stood there for a few minutes," he added.

Viewers were able to see Gary, 1, squinting in the shadiest corner of the large pool, while an overlaid text on the video read, "how to handle the heat."

Due to their short stature, which leaves them closer to the ground than other dogs, dachshunds tend to feel the heat quite quickly. However, all canines are susceptible to heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) notes frantic panting, extreme salivation, labored breathing and disoriented behavior as the key signs of heatstroke in dogs. Owners who notice these symptoms are advised to help their dogs cool down, by applying a cold towel to them, feeding them water, or getting them in a cool and ventilated spot if they are not already.

"Looking back at the video and its viral status, I think it really resonated with a lot of people since the weather has been so hot lately around the country," Akdemir said. "We have had some of Gary's other videos go viral, so we are used to him having views, but we did not expect so many views on this video to be honest."

More than 386,000 users have viewed Akdemir's post to his account, @garytheweenie, with plenty sharing their amusement at Gary's heat hack in the comments section.

"Beautiful and smart! My kind of doxie," one user, @nanamjk51, wrote.

Another, @mini.marvs.marvels, added: "Yup, you know it's summer when they make a B-line for the tub after a walk."

"Gary knows what's what," a third user, @parisazander, shared.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.