Dear Dr. Dog: Summer is almost here and I want to be sure my dog doesn’t get overheated while we’re enjoying the great outdoors together. Beyond carrying water, what’s your advice for keeping canines cool?
After all the rain this year, most of us look forward to sunny summer days and getting out and about with our dogs to catch up on our exercise and Vitamin D. As we enjoy outdoor play with our dogs, however, it can be easy to forget the potential negative impact of warm weather on our furry best friends. Because of their year-round fur coats, pets can overheat quickly in warm/humid conditions. The good news is that knowing what to watch for and what to do if your dog gets overheated can help you enjoy the summer weather without worry.
Heat stroke (also referred to as hyperthermia or heat prostration) is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when a dog’s body temperature increases as a result of heat or humidity. Most of us know to be cautious with our pets on especially hot days, but many cases of heat stroke occur on days when the temperature doesn’t seem extreme to us.
Understand the Risk
Risk factors for canine heat stroke include leaving your dog outside on hot or humid days without adequate shade and water, exercising your dog in hot/humid weather, or leaving your dog in the car. One study done at Stanford University Medical Center found that the temperature in a vehicle can increase by an average of 40 degrees Farenheit within one hour, regardless of the outside temperature!
Short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds like Pugs and Boston Terriers are particularly at risk because they can’t release heat through panting as well as other dogs. Very young and very old dogs are also more vulnerable to heat stroke, but remember that any dog can get overheated.
Recognize the Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of heat stroke can save your dog’s life. Important signs that your dog may be overheating include heavy panting, restlessness, and/or excessive drooling. If her body temperature continues to rise, she may become unsteady on her feet. In severe cases, a dog’s oxygen levels drop, leading to blue/purple or bright red gums.
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heat stroke, seek immediate veterinary care. There are a few things you can do to try to help your dog while you make arrangements to transport her to your veterinarian’s office. If possible, use a rectal thermometer to determine her body temperature. A normal body temperature for most dogs is 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, plus or minus one degree. Body temperatures in excess of 105 degrees Fahrenheit indicate a true medical emergency.
Take Life-saving Action
If your dog’s temperature is elevated above 103 and/or he is showing some signs of overheating, gently cool him off by moving him to a cooler/shaded area and placing cool, damp towels on the back of the neck, armpits, groin area and feet. Using hose water to cool your dog or misting her with tap water can also help. Directing a fan toward the wetted areas can speed the cooling process. However, never use ice or extremely cold water, as this can restrict blood circulation to the skin and hinder cooling efforts. If your dog is alert and responding to you, you can offer her some water to drink, but don’t force her to drink if she is not interested. Gentle cooling methods are always safest and best while you work on getting your dog the medical attention she needs.
Get to the Vet
Once you get your pup to the vet’s office, the doctor will assess the severity of the condition, which will entail a thorough examination and, possibly, blood tests. An IV catheter may be placed in order to start treatment with IV fluids and electrolytes to help cool your dog and correct any blood pressure abnormalities. In severe instances, plasma transfusions may be necessary, and your dog may even need to be hospitalized for more aggressive treatment.
Heat stroke can be fatal, but is easily avoided in most situations. Plan your summer outdoor activities with your dog for the cooler times of day. Ideal times to exercise with your dog are early in the morning, before temperatures start to rise, or later in the evening, when it is shaded and cooler outside. Bring plenty of water for you and your dog while on walks or hikes and try to stick to shaded trails to avoid overheating.
Remember, your dog absorbs heat from the ground too, and because of his fur coat he can’t cool himself as quickly as you can. So even if it doesn’t feel overly hot to you, your dog may be experiencing very different internal temperatures.
You and your dog both love to be outside in warm weather. If you use common sense when planning your outings and carefully watch your canine companion for signs of overheating, your summer together can be healthy and full of fun.
Dr. Hilary Wheeler is the founder of The Whole Pet Vet Hospital and Wellness Center in Los Gatos, where she practices veterinary medicine and surgery full time. She has a particular interest in preventative healthcare for pets and strengthening the human-animal bond. Dr. Wheeler resides in the South Bay Area with her husband, two children, two cats, and two dogs. For more information, visit www.thewholepetvet.com.
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