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Protecting Your Pooch From The Summer Heat Monday, July 07, 2008

 

If it's hot to you, then chances are your pet is uncomfortable too. But there are some ways you can keep your "hot dog" as cool as a cucumber. Veterinarian, Dr. Debbye Turner, shared some important tips Monday to provide climate comfort for your canine.

Dogs And Heat:
Pets are more susceptible to the summer heat than humans. They do not have sweat gland on their whole body. So they are not that efficient of ridding the body of excess heat. The primary way a pet expels heat is through panting; they do have sweat glands on the bottom of their feet but that's not nearly enough to keep them cool in extreme heat. Do not over-exert your dog during the heat of the day. While they will try to keep pace with you while you jog, they can overheat very quickly. Some pets are more vulnerable to the heat than others: elderly pets, "flat-face" animals (like pugs, Boston terriers, bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, etc.), very young animals, sick pets and overweight animals. 

Heat Stroke:
If the animal is not cooled down they can suffer heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. The signs are panting, staring, anxious behavior, high fever, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, and collapse. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, get it to the vet.

Dogs And Sunscreen:
Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn't necessarily shave a long haired dog in the summer: hair actually acts as a natural sunscreen for the pooch, so cutting your dog's hair really short in the summer could be putting him at risk to the dangers of the sun. Dogs can get sunburned just like people. Signs of sunburn are redness, swelling, hair loss, and sensitivity. Light-colored dogs with short hair are most vulnerable to sunburn. Use a safe sun block formulated for dogs as they can inevitably lick it off and ingest it. Also, you may have to re-apply many times. The areas to apply sunscreen are the tips of the ears, nose, lips and groin. 

Summer Exercise
Our dogs still needs exercise in the summer, so be careful when you take her out for those daily walks. It is essential that you provide plenty of water and shade for your pet when they are outside with you. But beware of hot asphalt and concrete, as these hard surfaces can absorb a lot of heat and burn the surface of your pet's paws. When walking your dog during the summer, allow the pooch to walk on the grass. This is much more comfortable for them. In urban areas, you may consider training your dog to wear booties to protect his feet from the hot asphalt. It's a good idea to avoid taking your dog outside during the heat of the day. Time his walks in the early morning, or late evening hours when the sun is not so intense. Always make sure he is on a leash. You don't want him to dash after a bird or squirrel and run right into oncoming traffic. Your dog should be under your control at all times when not in your home, or fenced-in backyard.

Unattended Dogs In Hot Cars - A Big No-No:
And finally, never, ever leave you pet in the car unattended! The temperature inside the car can reach 120 degrees in just a matter of minutes, even with the windows down. According to the Humane Society of the United States, on an 85 degree day, the temperature inside a car (with the windows opened) can reach 102 degrees in just ten minutes. It can reach 120 in 30 minutes. If you are not going to take you pet inside with you when you reach your destination, you should leave her at home, comfortable in the air conditioning.