CANINE CORNER WITH REBECCA HAWKINS
SUMMER HEAT HAZARDS FOR OUR DOGS
As the temperatures begin to warm up it may be tempting to take your dog for a long walk to soak up the weather while it lasts. It’s very important to exercise caution, however, because, sadly, dogs can sadly easily develop heatstroke on those warm days. Dogs have sweat glands in their paw pads but release heat primarily by panting.
All dogs are at risk of overheating but especially puppies, senior and overweight dogs. Brachycephalic or flat nosed breeds are at the most risk as they have more difficulty taking in enough air to cool down by panting.
Other breeds at risk are those with a double coat such as Labradors, huskies, shepherds, Newfoundlands and retrievers. People make the mistake of clipping those dogs coats in summer thinking it will keep them cool but in fact this doesn’t help unless the warmer undercoat is stripped out. It’s much better to brush them daily and keep the top layer long and fluffy so air can circulate and also protect them from the sun and sunburn.
On hot and humid days it’s best to keep your dog inside or in a shady, breezy garden with plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Outdoor exercise and walks are to be restricted to early mornings and late evening.
When walking, stick to grassy areas, dogs’ paws are highly sensitive and can burn on hot pavements, if you are unable to comfortably place your hand on a hot pavement for 30 seconds it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Despite annual campaigns, owners still continue to put their dogs at risk by leaving them in unattended cars. Even if it’s 22 degrees outside the car could reach an unbearable 47 degrees inside within an hour. It can take just 6 minutes for a dog to die in a hot car so please leave them at home when popping to the shop.
Signs of heat stroke in pets can include -
- Exaggerated panting (or sudden stopping of panting)
- Rapid or erratic pulse (this can be felt on the inner thigh)
- Salivation, drooling, anxious or staring expressions, looking strangely
- Weakness and muscle tremors or lack of coordination
- Blue or dark red gums and tongue may appear much longer than usual
- Convulsions, vomiting or collapse
What to do if you suspect your dog is showing signs of heatstroke -
- Keep them calm and move your pet to a cooler, shady place.
- Slowly wet your pet’s paws, ears, head and fur with cool tepid water or allow them to lay on a wet towel (do not cover the dog as this can trap in hot air).
- Do NOT apply ice or freezing water as not only can this cause your dog to go into shock but it can constrict the blood flow and discourage cooling.
- Fan your pet to promote evaporation, this cools the blood helping the pet’s core temperature to decrease.
- Allow your pet to lap (but not bolt) cool water.
- Ring your vet for advice or take your pet to the vet asap for treatment.