Reading this article could save your
dog's life! Summertime brings longer days, warmer temperatures, and a need
for safety. No matter where you live, the more you know about hot weather
safety for your pet, the better. Dog heat stroke happens
fast.
By Debra Rae
Reading this article could save
your dog's life! Summertime brings longer days, warmer temperatures, and a
need for safety. Whether you live in the far north, the deep south, the
coast or the desert, the more you know about hot weather safety, the
better.
For example, at temperatures of 40, 50, 60, or even 70
degrees Fahrenheit (depending on humidity levels) leaving your dog in the
car can turn into a fatality. Dog heat stroke happens fast. Many places
have laws about leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle - and the places
that do not, should.
Think about it! If it's 70 degrees, humidity
is low but all the car windows are rolled up with a 1-3' opening, the car
is in the direct sun, or even the shade, and you're leaving your dog in
the car for more than 10 minutes, could this be a problem?
Maybe it
is 80 or 90 degrees Fahrenheit and you leave your dog in the car. Take a
moment and ask yourself, is this safe? Ask yourself if you would be safe
left in the conditions you plan to leave your dog in. Would a baby be
safe? If your answer is no, then your dog will not be safe
either.
Would a police officer, animal control officer, or
veterinarian scold you or possibly ticket you for leaving your dog? If the
answer is yes, then do not do it. If you have any doubt about your dog's
safety, listen to that, and act accordingly.
In the spring and
summer months, dog heat exhaustion and heat stroke happens easily.
Watching a dog succumb due to heat exhaustion/stroke is heart breaking.
They refuse water and food, are lethargic, breathe rapidly, cannot get up,
are disoriented, vomit continually, have uncontrollable diarrhea, and
slowly die.
To protect your dog from heat exhaustion/heat stroke,
read the following:
Do not leave your dog in the car unless you plan to leave the air
conditioner running.
Do not let your dog run and play in the middle of the day. Take your
pooch out in the early morning or at night when it is cooler.
Keep in mind if you live in a highly humid/tropical climate, the
actual heat index is 10-15 degrees higher than what the temperature gauge
states. Exercise your dog when humidity is very low.
Take stock if your dog has dark colored fur. They will get hot faster
(black absorbs heat where white repels it).
Be especially careful with short snouted dogs like pugs, bulldogs,
mastiffs and shih tzus. These breeds overheat much faster, and are highly
susceptible to dog heat stroke.
Provide shade for your dog. Buy a tarp or a sheet from the thrift
store and put it up if necessary. It is a lot cheaper than a vet
bill.
Always have fresh, clean water available for your dog. Dogs need
hydration. Have a large plastic dish (metal gets hot) and leave your
garden hose slightly running into the dish. A vet bill can be much higher
than a water bill.
An ice cold beer is not the answer for your dog on a hot summer day!
Alcohol is poison for your dog. Give it lots of cold, clean water. Some
dogs like ice cubes.
Please do not tether your dog outside when it is hot. Dogs easily get
the tether wrapped around various objects and end up in the sun. This is a
recipe for dog heat stroke.
Remember, your dog does not wear shoes - and asphalt, concrete, etc.
get very hot in the summer sun. Burnt puppy pads are very painful and can
become a serious infection issue quickly. Imagine yourself walking
barefoot on asphalt in the summer. I did that a few times when I was
young; what a mistake. Ouch! Walk your dog when it is cooler outside, and
preferably in shaded areas.
When you are out and about with your dog, do not let your dog drink
from stagnant water sources. These often have bacteria and mold that will
make your dog very sick. A vomiting dog is horrible.
Never, ever leave your dog unsupervised around a swimming pool. They
can easily drown. If you have a pool, train your dog where the stairs are
located so they know how to get out. Just like children, keep an eye on
your dog at all times when they are in the pool area.
If any of the
following occur, immediately call your veterinarian or animal emergency
hospital:
Rapid breathing with an increased heart rate.
Your dog has discolored gums. Dogs with heat stroke have dull gray or
pink gums instead of the normal red-pink color.
Your dog is disoriented - they are unaware of their
environment.
Your dog isn't listening or obeying commands, seems lost, or
scared.
Your dog has a wild or panicked expression.
If you suspect your
dog may have heat stroke, first call your veterinarian or animal emergency
center. Secondly, to help bring your dog's temperature down, do the
following:
Gently place a cool washcloth on the bare belly area. Keep rinsing the
cloth with fresh cool water and applying until your dog is calmer (this
should only take about 5 minutes).
Nothing in this article is a
substitute for getting your dog to the veterinarian or animal emergency
hospital. Get your dog checked out if you have any doubts.
With the
temperatures rising all over, be aware and make adjustments when necessary
to take the very best care of your dog. If you have questions or concerns,
talk with your veterinarian or veterinary technician. It could save your
canine family member's life.
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