With temperatures soaring we all need to be extra conscientious of our pets. Unlike us, dogs do not sweat, they pant to reduce their internal temperature but it is not nearly as efficient a cooling system as we possess. That make it even more essential that we take precautions to protect our pets when the temperatures rise. A rise in your dog's temperature of just five degrees above normal can result in nerve damage, heart problems, organ failure and death. Here are some simple precautions you can take to make the heat less oppressive for your hound.
1. Never leave your dog in the car in warm weather. Even in the shade on mild days the temperature in your care can easily reach ten to twenty degrees above the ambient temperature. What's more, cracking the windows has little effect. To make matters worse, as the car heats up dogs are likely to panic when causes them to aggitated and restless when increase their metabolism and causes them to pant thereby compounding the perceived heat. During this time of year just leave your dogs at home unless the car ride is all about them (i.e. a trip to the vet).
2. Keep clean fresh water available at all times. It is important for your dog to keep hydrated, especially during these hot spells.
3. Confine the most vigerous exercise to the early mornings and late evenings when the temperatures are lower. Dogs can suffer from heatstroke if they over-exert themselves during the hottest parts of the day. With this insufferable heat it is best to close your dog doors while you are gone so that there is no unsupervise place during the hottest hours of the day. It's better to come home to a puddle than to a dog that has collapsed from the heat.
4. Be aware that the sidewalks and asphalt may be very hot. Although their pads offer some protection it isn't the same as that offered by your Nikes so if you have to be out on the sidewalk plan your walk on a shady route and encourage your dogs to walk on the grass.
5. Your dog can get sunburns too! White and black dogs are especially susceptible and you may not even know they're burned until you give them a hug and they yelp of scream. Do not use sunscreens (or insect repellants) made for humans which may cause neurological problems; there are specially formulated sunscreens for dogs that are fragrance free, non-staining and hypoallergenic. While I have no experience with them to two brands that seem to predominate are made by Doggles and by Epi-Pet.
6. Update your dog's vaccinations and apply flea control. Illnesses like parvovirus flourish in hot weather and if you take your dogs to areas frequented by other dogs it is best to ensure that they are up-to-date on their vaccinations. While parvo is rarely fatal to health adult dogs it is extremely serious in puppies, seniors and those dogs with pre-existing health problems. The hot weather also stimulates rises in the flea population so be proactive and treat your dogs now.
7. For those of us without airconditioning it is important to keep the air moving, even when you're not at home. Make sure that you have a number of fans on before you leave (and when you're at home) that are set to keep the air moving in the places where your dog tends to relax. It will help them keep cool and provide some peace of mind while you're gone.
8. Double-check the screens on your windows. If you leave your windows open it is important to ensure that they have tight-fitting and secured screens on them. Dogs may try to find cooler areas to escape to and if you leave windows open and the outside air is preferable to the air inside your dog may try to escape.
9. Artificial sweat can keep you cool! While dogs don't sweat they can benefit from the effect of sweat and the easiest way to achieve this is to to use a spraybottle to mist them down. All of a sudden those fans you have set up around the house seem so much more effective! You can also give you dog a child's wading pool to cool off in but access should be limited to when you are present to surpervise. Remember, if the pool has been sitting out all day in the sun the water is likely to be quite warm so check it before you let your pup jump in, you may have to pour a little out and add some cold water to make it more comfortable.
10. Identifying heatstroke. According to Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, "symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees." If you observe these symptoms move your dog from the hot area immediately. Prior to maing the trip to your veterinarian, lower his temperature by wetting him thoroughly with cool water while increasing air movement with a fan. Using very cold water may be counterproductive. Cooling too quickly and especially allowing his body temperature to become too low can cause other life-threatening medical conditions. Once the body temperature is 103ºF, the cooling measures should be stopped and the dog should be dried and taken to the vet. Even if your dog appears to be recovering, take him to your veterinarian as soon as possible as he may be dehydrated or have other complications.
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