"Dog Days" Danger

Here in the Southeast where I live, as in many other parts of the country, it gets pretty hot and muggy this time of year. Pet owners and pet sitters need to be aware that heat stroke and heat exhaustion are very real dangers during the summer months. Dogs don’t really sweat through the skin like we do. They cool themselves by panting and through the pads of their feet.

Of course we all know that leaving your dog in a parked car, even with the windows down, is a big no-no. Yet, every year we see stories where some unfortunate dog has died after being left in a hot car for “just a few minutes”. It only takes a few minutes for the interior of a car to feel like an oven. Some other causes include animals that are not used to the warmer weather, thick-coats, other health issues like heart or lung problems, lack of proper shelter for outside dogs and breed disposition.

Since your dog can’t tell you that it’s too hot, you must look out for signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. These signs include; excessive panting; very red mucous membranes; unsteadiness; confusion; body temperature over 104 F; increased heart rate; bloody vomiting or diarrhea and collapse.

What can you do if this happens?

• Get your pet out of the heat.

• Reduce the body temperature below 103 F by spraying with cool (not cold or icy) water.

• Some sources recommend placing cool, water-soaked cloths on the pet’s neck, feet, chest and stomach. Other sources recommend not using the cloths, just cool water, on the same areas to prevent heat from being unable to dissipate.

• Get your pet to the vet as quickly as possible. Even if they look and act fine, they may have suffered internal damage that could take days to become noticeable.

Prevention is best. Check the weather conditions, heat and humidity, before taking your pet out for a walk or run. Always check the temperature of any pavement you’ll be traveling. Keep your pet indoors whenever possible when the temperatures are dangerous. If your pet must stay outside, provide shade and a fan if possible. Always provide your pet with cool, fresh water.

I’ll never forget the time when I was working at the vet’s office that a couple brought in their collie-mix dog that had passed away suddenly. They asked the vet to determine the cause of death. The poor animal had long, unkempt, matted fur and it had been tied out all day long in the direct sun of one of the hottest days during August in the South. The poor guy died of heat stroke that could have easily been prevented.

Your furry friends depend on you to keep them safe.