Are you feeling uncomfortably hot this summer season? Now try to imagine how your dog feels. A dog’s internal temperature is actually higher than humans. Just like humans, dogs are also susceptible to heat exhaustion. As a responsible pet owner it is important to ensure that you know what the signs of heat exhaustion are and what to do should it happen to your pet.
The signs of heat exhaustion can include but are not limited to heavy panting, hyperventilation (deep breathing), increased salivation, dry gums that may begin to appear white as the heat exhaustion progresses, a swollen tongue, weakness, confusion or inattention, and vomiting or diarrhea. If you begin to see any one of these signs it is critical that you take immediate action. First take immediate action to cool your dog down by placing him in a tub of cool (not ice) water. Once your pet has begun to cool down, proceed to your nearest vet’s office as quickly as possible.
Now that you are familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion, make sure to follow these preventative measures prior to Fido’s next trip to the dog park:
1. Keep plenty of cool water on hand for drinking. In order to ensure that it remains cold, freeze a water bottle the night before or bring along a cooler. Since I have a elderly dog I know that it is that much more important to keep him hydrated. To help him remember to drink his water as often as possible, I like to keep fresh clean bowls of water in different areas of the house. If your dog will be having an active day you can also add up to a few tablespoons of Gatorade to their drinking water. The Gatorade will replace any lost electrolytes as well as other essential minerals like calcium and sodium.
2. Bach Rescue Remedy is a homeopathic formula can be found at most Health Food Stores and even some grocery stores. Add up to three drops of Bach Rescue Remedy to your pet’s drinking water and/or combine up to five drops of Bach Rescue Remedy with a cup of spring water and spritz on your pet at the first sign of heat sensitivity. Bach Rescue Remedy can help to decrease stress in your pet.
3. If you plan on taking your dog for a walk, be sure to slow down the walking pace and take it slow. If you begin to see signs of heat exhaustion look for the closest shelter with air conditioning, even the breeze from a fan can help.
4. If your dog likes to play in the back yard, keep a kiddie pool filled with water or periodically use the water hose on a light mist to cool your dog down with periodically. Be sure to change their water frequently to avoid bacteria as well as misquito’s and their larvae.
5. Never leave your dog in a car unattended to under any circumstances. The majority of cases that vet’s offices tend to are a result of a dog left in the car without air conditioning.
6. Avoid hot pavement and any other hot surfaces. During the summer months the pavement may be hot enough to fry an egg on. You would never walk barefoot on the steaming hot pavement for long without running for a pair of shoes or a patch of grass for relief. The same common sense practice holds true for your pets too. Hot pavement can burn you dog’s paws. Walk your dog during cooler times of the day and steer your dog to walk on the grass as much as possible.
It is imperative that we treat our pets responsibly. Heat exhaustion can ultimately lead to a heat stroke which can be fatal. Follow these suggestions and you will avoid a emergency trip to the vet. Most importantly you will have a happy and healthy pet this summer and for many summers to come.
References:
New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats by Amy Shojai and the editors of Prevention for Pets
Photo Credit: Beverly and Pack
If anyone plan on taking your dog for a walk, be sure to slow down the walking pace and take it slow. If one begin to see signs of heat exhaustion look for the closest shelter with air conditioning, even the breeze from a fan can help.