Dog-on Summer Heat!
Dog-on Summer Heat!
May 16, 2008
As summer approaches our pets are at their most vulnerable. It is our responsibility, as pet owners, to ensure that our dogs remain protected during the summertime heat. How? You might ask. There are many preventative measures to fight against heat related injuries, but only a few that will be covered. Cooling down is limited to panting and sweating through pads on a dog’s foot, so it is important to keep your dog hydrated and shaded from excessive heat. It is always wise to avoid leaving dogs in vehicles unattended for lengthy periods of time. Taking part in water related activities to beat the summer heat is also a great way of ensuring your dog stays safe and doesn’t fall victim to dehydration.
Heat Stroke Indicators
There are a few signals to look for when your dog is suffering from a heat stroke:
- Excessive Panting/ Drooling
- Increased Heart Rate
- Thick, Sticky Saliva
- Bright Red Tongue
- Red or Pale Gums
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Shock
- Coma
4 Easy Tips
By providing your pet with ample hydration you lessen the chances of heat stroke and other health complications. Simple tips can prove vital to your dog’s longevity:
- Keeping water bowl at an adequate level, refilling periodically
- Installing a no-drip thirst quenching attachment, onto your outside faucet
- Lessening the amount fed during the day, overeating can lead to overheating
- Keeping Brachycephalic (Pugs, Bulldogs Pekingese breeds) out of extremely hot weather, due to difficulty in breathing
What about Coverage?
Because animals with white coats or pink skin are more apt to get sunburn using pet-safe sunscreen is always a plus, when outside for long increments of time. You should also keep in mind that your dogs nose and foot pads are sensitive areas, so stay away from hot surfaces that could possibly burn those areas. Thicker coats tend to hold in body heat, so grooming is always beneficial, though cutting all of your dog’s hair off isn’t necessary. Their coat does help to insulate against the heat, so your goal should be to remove the previously shed coat. Dark fur tends to absorb more of the sun’s rays, so some pets get hot quicker than those with lighter-colored fur. Providing adequate coverage and location for confined animals are important factors to consider. Ventilated doghouses, carriers and crates as well as open, shaded, fenced-in yards become great spots for your animal to lounge around and relax in comfort. Remember natural shade is more preferable to artificially shaded areas, and as the sun shifts so does the shade.
Don’t Leave
There is nothing better than driving down the road watching as your dog stares out the window in amazement, barking at cars and whimpering. However, leaving them inside the car as you complete a task is something that, as a responsible pet owner, one should not do. A few words for thought. The sun’s heat gets absorbed then trapped inside parked vehicles. The temperature inside a car can get over 120 degrees Fahrenheit in minutes, creating a greenhouse effect, potentially raising your dog’s body temperature and leading to possible complications. Even on mildly warm days the temperature in you car becomes unbearable, and heat build-up isn’t something prevented by simply cracking your window. As common practice, keep an extra leash in your vehicle for those days when Rover decides to tag along for the ride. By leaving your pet inside your home or in a ventilated area, when away, one can help to alleviate the complications when in pet restricted areas.
Fun in the Sun
Stay away from activities that are strenuous to your dog and can lead to fatigue or dehydration. Instead stick with activities that could be enjoyed by both the owner as well as the pet. Simply giving your dog a bath, indoors or out, is a great way of spending quality time with your best friend. If you and your pet decide to go for a swim make sure that your pet has access in and out of the pool and is able to exit unassisted. If you decide to take your dog out to the lake nothing is safer than a doggy life vest. If all else fails simply turning on the water hose and soaking your pet is a great and effective way of cooling down.
Pets need the same love and care that they often give. In the case of possible heat stress, exhaustion or stroke, it is always best to seek the advice of a trained official. There are many tips that are useful and many that weren’t covered though touched upon. The information given, in no way, is intended to challenge or substitute the diagnosis, treatment or advice of a licensed veterinarian. Play safe this summer and enjoy quality time with your pets.