When is the last time we wore a fur coat or walked barefoot on Asphalt in the heat of the day?
We know it is important to keep our pets cool and some reminders are warranted with the hot days of summer upon us. The normal temperature for a dog or cat is around 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Heatstroke can occur when our pets’ internal core temperature rises to 105 degrees Fahrenheit or even higher. This happens more frequently than many people are aware of and is primarily from dogs left in cars where internal heat rises quickly (rolling windows down does not do much when the sun is pounding down on the car) or left without fresh water and or shade. Think Picnics, Baseball Games, Hiking or any activity with increased heat exposure and or activity and please only walk your dog when it is cool. in mind also, if you are like me and have a working dog breed or high energy, playful pup, their drive may cause them to continue playing ball or following you until they drop. Older, sick, overweight or brachycephalic(flat-faced breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs) are even more susceptible to over-heating. Prevention is the way to go! Always carry extrawater, bowls, battery operated fans in your car for emergencies. Heatstroke can be extremely serious, carrying the potential for death. Dogs’ primary way of eliminating heat is through panting, and the only sweat glands they have are in their feet, which carries minimal heat distribution. When a dog’s panting isn’t enough to cool them,
HEATSTROKE can occur.
Heatstroke Physical Symptoms in dogs
Heatstroke can be extremely serious, carrying the potential for death. Dogs’ primary way of eliminating heat is through panting, and the only sweat glands they have are in their feet, which carries minimal heat distribution. When a dog’s panting isn’t enough to cool them,
Mental dullness, excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, not moving much, uncoordinated movement, and then collapse. Internal organ failure and seizures are potential dangers as well. If you even see the slightest sign of heat stroke, FIRST try to lower their body temperature by moving to a cool area, giving cool, not cold (may make matters worse) water, damp cool towel on their face, tummy, pads – all over and better yet, pour cool (not cold) water over your dog until they cool off, but not so much that they shiver. This has to happened on the way to the Vet or right before you go – don’t wait please. Then get your pet to the Emergency Clinic ASAP. If you can, have someone else call ahead while you are driving to the Emergency.
ASAP.
Recap On Prevention Steps
-Always have at least Two fresh, cool waters available inside and outside the house. Many dogs will not continue to drink water after saliva has entered it – change often and you can never have enough water bowls around. Keep the water bowls in the shade and be aware the Sun moves so even build a covering for them.
-Don’t leave pets in the car where temperatures rise quickly or outside when it is hot for any extended amount of time and always provide shade in your yard.
-Keep the Air Conditioning and or fans on
-Only exercise when it is cool out
-Shave your pet if possible, during warm weather
Always pay attention and put yourself in your Pet’s Fur!
