Hot Weather - Hot Dog
Terry's Tips > Hot Weather - Hot Dog
DOGS CONFINED OUTDOORS: If a dog is confined to a small kennel run or tied, there is no way to escape from the heat. The dog may suffer fatal heat stroke. With a little training or some different management perhaps your dog could live indoors! If your dog must stay out, be sure he can get to shade--shade moves quickly! Fix his water bowl so it can't be upset and keep it full!
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? Dogs normal body temperature is 101.0 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. They cannot tolerate rise in temperature well. They can only withstand a body temp of 107 to 108 degrees F for less than a couple of minutes before serious consequences occur such as irreparable brain damage and death.
CARS: On a warm day, the inside of a car heats up very quickly, even when left in the shade. Dark colored cars (and dog's coats!) are especially heat absorbing. On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside car parked in the shade is 90 degrees. It can reach 160 degrees in minutes if in the sun.
SUMMER GROOMING - PREVENT SUNBURN AND PARASITES: Clip long or matted coats to help with air circulation--but not too short. Dogs can get sunburned just like people. If your dog has a light colored nose or sparse coat, use sun lotion. There are products made especially for dogs. Ask your vet. Fleas can become more of a problem for you dog during hot months. Fleas must be controlled on your dog pet, in the home and in the yard. Mosquitoes are irritating and can carry disease and parasites such as heart worm. Ticks can weaken the dog by sucking blood and can carry disease such as Lyme disease. Check with your veterinarian concerning prescription products for these issues. Some dogs suffer "hot spots", allergies and other skin irritations during the warm weather. If you see your dog licking or a damp spot on his coat, investigate. The skin my be inflamed and weeping. Your vet will advise medical treatment.
EXERCISE: Exercise pets in the morning or evening when it's cooler. The pads on dogs' feet are sensitive. They don't wear shoes like you. Reach down and touch surfaces like asphalt, cement or sand to be sure they won't burn your dogs pads. Plan ahead, it could get hotter before you return home. If you take a long walk, carry some water for you and your dog.
HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE SYMPTOMS:
- Hot skin
- Salivation
- Exaggerated panting
- Sudden stop of panting
- Rapid or erratic pulse
- Anxious or dazed, staring expression
- Weakness
- Twitching muscles
- Lack of coordination
- Blue or red tongue / lips
- Vomiting
- Convulsions or Collapse
EMERGENCY TREATMENT
- Move to a cool, shady place
- Wet dog with cool, not icy water
- Leave airways unobstructed
- Do not apply ice
- Fan vigorously to promote evaporation
- Allow cool water, ice cream