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 Tip of the Month |
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Summer Time Tip
HOW TO AVOID HEATSTROKE During the Dog Days of Summer
(from Guide Dogs of America Partners Newsletter, Summer 2009 Volume 24 Number 2)
Contrary to what most people believe, dogs overheat more quickly than humans. They wear their fur coat all year long and they do not sweat. They cool their bodies by panting, or blowing out heat, which is much less effective than sweating. Even if you are comfortable, your dog may be too hot!
On a hot day a dog must take in more air to keep its temperature constant. Heat exhaustion most frequently occurs while the dog is confined, whether it is in a car, crate, or doghouse. Animals locked inside a car, even for just a few minutes, are at extreme risk of heatstroke even with the car windows open.
Prevention
The guidelines below offer important information about how to prevent your dog from heatstroke:
- Never leave your dog in a parked car. On an 80º day, temperatures in a parked car can reach 120º in as little as ten minutes, especially if the car is in the sun.
- Limit your dogs physical activity to the evening or early morning, while the day is cool.
- For outside dogs provide shade, ventilation, a wading pool, and cool drinking water. Keep in mind that shade moves as the sun moves.
- Make sure water containers are large enough to supply water at all times and secure so they cannot be turned over.
- Clip heavy coated dogs to a one-inch length. Leave one inch for insulation and protection against sunburn.
- Allow dogs unaccustomed to warm weather several days to acclimate.
Warning Signs
During warmer weather, if your dog shows any of these symptoms they could be signs of heatstroke:
- excessive panting and salivation
- bright red tongue
- vomiting
- staggering
- diarrhea
First Aid
Call the veterinarian if you notice your dog showing symptoms of heatstroke and take these steps to begin cooling your dog as you get him ready to be transported to the vets office.
- Take the dog to shade and soak him with cool water (not cold water). You also can use fans, take him to an air conditioned room, or apply ice packs to the areas underneath the front legs and to the groin area for rapid blood cooling.
- Give your dog enough water to wet his mouth and throat, but do not allow your dog to drink copious amounts of water.
- Do not cover your dog, even with a cold towel. This will prevent the heat from escaping.
- Do not place the dog in his crate. Keep him with you with windows down and air conditioning on high to allow evaporation, which will aid in the cooling process.
Knowing how to beat the heat during the warmer weather will help you and your dog to make the most of the long, lazy days of summer and avoid an unplanned summer trip to the veterinarian.
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