Making the Dog-Days of Summer a Breeze
The dog-days of summer can be a very uncomfortable time to be a dog.
Heatstroke can occur in dogs during the hot summer months but there a few things you can do to make the summer more enjoyable and safe for your dog.
Some of the things that can cause heatstroke are overexertion, left in an unattended car and being left outside without enough water on a hot summer day.
A dog is actually more susceptible to heatstroke than we are.
What may not seem like hot enough conditions to cause problems can be fatal to your dog because of the difference in the way they cool themselves compared to us.
Dogs only have sweat glands in their noses and the pads of their feet unlike humans who are literally covered in them.
This leaves them very little cooling through their sweat glands.
The only other way they have of cooling themselves down is through panting.
Panting moves air through their nasal passages picking up heat from their body.
As they pant it back out through their mouth, the heat goes with it.
When it is very humid and hot this method is not very efficient.
Puppies, older dogs, short-nosed and overweight dogs are at even great risk for heatstroke.
Summer heatstroke guidelines:
Lower their body temperature by putting cool, wet towels on their nose and pads of their feet.
Apply cool (not cold) water all over their body.
Try to get them to drink some cool water.
They also need to be taken immediately to your vets office.
Dogs can respond pretty quickly after only a few minutes of cooling and then falter again with their temperature soaring back.
Treatment may include further cooling, IV fluid therapy to counter shock, or medication to prevent brain damage.
Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated immediately.
The dog-days of summer affect everyone so make sure to keep your dog cool and enjoy those lazy, crazy days.
Heatstroke can occur in dogs during the hot summer months but there a few things you can do to make the summer more enjoyable and safe for your dog.
Some of the things that can cause heatstroke are overexertion, left in an unattended car and being left outside without enough water on a hot summer day.
A dog is actually more susceptible to heatstroke than we are.
What may not seem like hot enough conditions to cause problems can be fatal to your dog because of the difference in the way they cool themselves compared to us.
Dogs only have sweat glands in their noses and the pads of their feet unlike humans who are literally covered in them.
This leaves them very little cooling through their sweat glands.
The only other way they have of cooling themselves down is through panting.
Panting moves air through their nasal passages picking up heat from their body.
As they pant it back out through their mouth, the heat goes with it.
When it is very humid and hot this method is not very efficient.
Puppies, older dogs, short-nosed and overweight dogs are at even great risk for heatstroke.
Summer heatstroke guidelines:
- Try to walk your dog at the coolest part of the day and keep the pace a little slower than normal.
- Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your dog's feet during extreme conditions.
- Make sure they have plenty of cool, clean water to drink.
Take water along if you are going to be away from home for an extended length of time with them. - Never leave your dog unattended in the car.
Leaving the window down is not enough to keep your dog cool when the sun is beating down.
The temperature in the car can quickly reach 120 degrees or more. - Keep your dog well groomed.
Having matted and tangled fur traps the hot air and doesn't let it circulate.
Giving them a light weight summer haircut can also help keep them cooler.
Only certain breeds of dogs benefit from having their fur shaved down.
Dogs with an undercoat should not be shaved.
Their fur protects them and insulates them from the heat.
Shaving them actually makes them hotter and more uncomfortable.
Their fur also protects them from sunburn.
If you're not certain about your breed of dog, check with a professional groomer. - If your dog is outside for long periods of time, make sure there is plenty of shade in the yard and access to enough water.
The water should be changed often enough to keep it cool.
- Very fast or excessive panting.
- Trouble standing or walking.
Staggering gait. - Anxious or restless.
- Collapsing.
- Vomiting.
- Red or pale gums.
- Deep red or purple tongue.
- Glazed eyes.
Lower their body temperature by putting cool, wet towels on their nose and pads of their feet.
Apply cool (not cold) water all over their body.
Try to get them to drink some cool water.
They also need to be taken immediately to your vets office.
Dogs can respond pretty quickly after only a few minutes of cooling and then falter again with their temperature soaring back.
Treatment may include further cooling, IV fluid therapy to counter shock, or medication to prevent brain damage.
Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated immediately.
The dog-days of summer affect everyone so make sure to keep your dog cool and enjoy those lazy, crazy days.
