Keeping Your Dog Safe In Hot Weather

Reading this article could save your dog's life! Summertime brings longer days, warmer temperatures and a need for safety. Whether you live in the far north, the deep south, the coast or the desert, the more you know about hot weather safety, the better.

For example, at temperatures of 40, 50, 60 or even 70 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on humidity levels) leaving your dog in the car can turn into a fatality. Dog heat stroke happens fast. Many places have laws about leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle and the places that don't, should.

Think about it! If it's 70 degrees, humidity is low but all the car windows are rolled up with a 1-3" opening, the car is in the direct sun, or even the shade, and you're leaving your dog in the car for more than 10 minutes, could this be a problem?

Maybe it's 80 or 90 degrees Fahrenheit and you leave your dog in the car. Take the moment and ask yourself, is this safe? Ask yourself if you would be safe left in the conditions you plan to leave your dog in. Would a baby be safe? If your answer is no, then your dog won't be safe either.

Would a police officer, animal control officer, or veterinarian scold you or possibly ticket you for leaving your dog? If the answer is yes, then don't do it. If you have any doubt about your dog's safety, listen to that and act accordingly.

In the spring & summer months, dog heat exhaustion & heat stroke is the main focus. Believe me, watching a dog succumb due to heat exhaustion/stroke is heart breaking. They refuse water and food, are lethargic, breath rapidly, can't get up, are disoriented, vomit continually, have uncontrollable diarrhea and slowly die.

To protect your dog from heat exhaustion/heat stroke, read the following::

*Don't leave your dog in the car unless you plan to leave the air conditioner running.

*Don't let your dog run and play in the middle of the day. Take your pooch our in the early morning or at night when it's cooler.

*Keep in mind if you live in a highly humid/tropical climate the actual heat index is 10-15 degrees higher than what the temperature gauge states. Exercise your dog when humidity is very low.

*Take stock if your dog has dark colored fur. They will get hot faster (black absorbs heat where white repels it).

*Be especially careful with short snouted dogs like pugs, bulldogs, mastiffs and shih tzu's. These breeds overheat much faster and are highly susceptible to dog heat stroke.

*Provide shade for your dog. Buy a tarp or a sheet from the thrift store and put it up if necessary. It's a lot cheaper than a vet bill.

*Always have fresh, clean water available for your dog. Dogs need hydration. Have a large plastic dish (metal gets hot) & leave your garden hose slightly running into the dish. A vet bill can be much higher than a water bill.

*An ice cold beer is not the answer for your dog on a hot summer day!! Alcohol is poison for your dog. Give your dog lots of cold, clean water. Some dogs like ice cubes. Give it to them.

*Please don't tether your dog outside when it's hot. Dogs easily get the tether wrapped around various objects and end up in the sun. This is a recipe for dog heat stroke.

*Remember your dog doesn't wear shoes and asphalt, concrete, etc. get very hot in the summer sun. Burnt puppy pads are very painful and can become a serious infection issue quickly. Imagine yourself walking barefoot on asphalt in the summer. I did that a few times when I was young; what a mistake. Ouch! Walk your dog when it's cooler outside and preferably in shaded areas.

*When you're out and about with your dog, don't let your dog drink from stagnant water sources. These often have bacteria and mold that will make your dog very sick. Vomiting dog is horrible.

*Never, ever leave your dog unsupervised around a swimming pool. They can easily drown. If you have a pool, train your dog where the stairs are located so they know how to get out. Just like children, keep an eye on your dog, at all times, when they're in the pool area.

If any of the following occur, immediately call your veterinarian or animal emergency hospital:

*Rapid breathing with an increased heart rate.

*Your dog has discolored gums--Dogs with heat stroke have dull gray or pink gums instead of the normal red-pink color.

*Your dog is disoriented--they are unaware of their environment.

*Your dog isn't listening or obeying commands, seems lost or scared.

*Your dog has a wild or panicked expression.

If you suspect your dog may have heat stroke, first call your veterinarian or animal emergency center. Secondly, to help bring your dogs temperature down do the following:

*Gently place a cool wash cloth on the unhaired belly area. Keep rinsing the cloth with fresh cool water and applying until your dog is calmer (this should only take about 5 minutes).

Nothing in this article is a substitute for getting your dog to the veterinarian or animal emergency hospital. Get your dog checked out if you have any doubts.

With the temperatures rising all over, be aware & make adjustments when necessary to take the very best care of your dog. If you have questions or concerns, talk with your veterinarian or veterinary technician. It could save your canine family member's life.