Summer is definitely here. In fact, here in East Central Texas near Houston, it has been here for some time. We've seen several heat records broken already, with a high of 105 degrees on at least two consecutive days. In early June! It hasn't been easy keeping ourselves cool. And if you are lucky enough to have a canine companion, it is also your responsibility to keep him cool as well.
A responsible and loving dog owner will become familiar with the signs and symptoms of an overheated dog, and the precautions to take to prevent this potentially fatal illness.
My focus in this blog is generally the lovable and comical miniature dachshund. This subject, however, is critical for all breeds. I want to especially caution the owners of dogs with the short muzzle, as they have more difficulty getting air in and out than the longer snouts of, say, a dachshund! Boxers, any type of Bulldog, Boston Terriers, some Chihuahuas, and some of the types of dogs that could experience serious difficulty in hot weather.
On especially hot days, don't expect your dog to be able to exercise as much as on other more balmy days. Yes, they love to play fetch, Frisbee, etc. And if they are like Popeye, they will chase the ball as long as you have strength to throw it for them. But we must take into account the recovery time needed during any especially hot days.
You should be alert to potential heat related emergencies both at home and when out and about, such as at the dog park. Other dog owners may not be as educated as you on the dangers of possible heat stroke in their dog and you may save someone else's dog's life. Let's first look at the signs and symptoms of a dog in heat stress.
Unlike you and myself, dogs don't sweat. They expel heat by panting hard and fast. This could be accompanied by excessive salivating. The could be very thirsty as they may become dehydrated quickly. An overheated dog's gums will probably be pale, while the inside of his ears and paw pads could be very red. As the heat stress progresses and gets worse, your dog may become dizzy and disoriented; he may also have vomiting and diarrhea. This is quickly becoming a heat related emergency, and the next stage is unconsciousness and death. Obviously, you must treat your dog or get help for him before he gets to this state. So, here are some things you can do to cool your dog before you find yourself in a real emergency.
Of course the best course of action is to prevent the onset of heat emergency. You can do this easily by thinking ahead and using some common sense. If your dog stays outside during the day, be sure he has some shade to get into to avoid direct sun. Make sure he has a very large bowl, oven a bucket of fresh water. And check on him frequently. Never, ever leave your dog in a car with the windows up. Temperatures soar inside a shut car, and will be fatal to the dog.
Cool your dog by wetting him down with water. As the water evaporates, it will cool the skin. You can allow him to lie in front of a fan to help him cool. Ice packs (wrap packs in cloth to avoid the cold shock) placed on the head and body will also help bring the temperature down.
When in doubt as to whether you are doing enough--if you dog is still panting very fast and does not seem to be getting relief, take him to a veterinarian immediately.
These little guys are our "best friends". They are dependant on us to protect them and provide for them. Staying informed on possible emergencies is a great way to ensure happy tails!
As always, I'll be happy to hear comments, or questions. If I don't know the answer, I'll get it for you. Thanks for stopping by!
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