Summer is here and many of us can’t help but take our dogs with us to enjoy the sunshine and fun outdoor activities. Of course our dogs will whole heartedly agree with this idea. Dogs go with us to the park, on the green belt, in the foothills, to the lake, running, bike riding, and even in the car to run errands. Keep in mind, what is intended as enjoyable time spent with our pets, can actually put their lives at risk. As the temperature rises, so do the chances of your pet overheating.
It is a common misconception to think that dogs tolerate heat better than humans. Humans dissipate heat extremely effectively by sweating and then through evaporative cooling. Think of how nice a slight breeze feels when you’re really hot and perspiring. This breeze has no benefit to your dog when he is hot. Dogs can only cool down by panting. The only place they can sweat is through the pads of their feet. If their feet are sweating, they are too hot. Panting is not a very effective way to cool down. A short walk in the foothills on a hot day can become deadly, especially if the dog is overweight or out of shape. For fit dogs, the same run that was a short easy run in the winter can be lethal in the summer.
On an 85 degree day, the temperature inside your car, even with the windows open a bit, will climb to 102 degrees in 10 minutes. After half an hour, it will go up to 120 degrees or even higher! On a 90 degree day, temperatures in that car can top 160 degrees literally in minutes! Leaving a dog in the bed of a truck is not much better. The metal bed reflects heat back up at your pet and can become extremely hot. The hot metal can burn the feet (hop in your truck bed bare foot on a warm day!). Remember, the breeze created when driving does little good for your furry friend who does not sweat (not to mention the dangers of him falling out of the back of the truck, but that ‘s another issue)!
Short-nosed dogs are particularly sensitive to heat stroke. These include Boston terriers, Bulldogs, Pug Dogs, Boxers, etc. They have very small airways and panting is an even less effective cooling method for them.
As an emergency veterinarian, I have seen many cases of heat stroke. None of these owners ever thought they were hurting their best friend by taking them outside to enjoy the day. Often times it was the same walk they have taken many times but on cooler days. Sometimes they were taken to the store with the owner and left in the car for only a few minutes. Prevention is the key. The most important thing is to avoid situations in which your pet could overheat. Monitor your pet very closely when playing in the heat. Dogs do not know when to quit and will literally play until they drop. This especially applies when jogging or biking with your dog. Play and run near water if possible and let him get in the water as he much or little as he wants to. If you are not planning to be near water, bring plenty of water for him to drink and even some to keep him wet. Avoid hot spots such as concrete, black top, or hot sandy areas with little shade. These areas can be very hot even in the shade and, again, the hot surfaces can damage the pads of their feet as well. Watch for excessive panting, agitation, hanging his head below his shoulders, inability to keep up with you on the walk/run, vomiting or diarrhea. These are signs to stop the activity, get him to a cool place, provide water, or even more effectively, wet down his fur so the breeze helps to cool him down. Seek veterinary care immediately after cooling him if vomiting or diarrhea occurs.
Unfortunately, there are many times when cooling methods are not enough and the damage from overheating is extensive. A dog’s body temperature is normally between 101 and 102°F. A rise of only 3 degrees is all it takes for your dog to be in a dangerous situation. At 108°F, the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and intestinal tracts begin breaking down at a cellular level, and the damage progresses rapidly. Treatment with IV fluids, electrolyte replacement, IV antibiotics, and even blood transfusions may be necessary to treat the complications of heat stroke and if serious enough, the outcome can be, and often is, fatal. Again, prevention is the key.
With a little common sense and planning ahead, summer will be a fun time for both you and your pet. When considering taking your dog with you this summer, if you can’t be sure of the heat, availability of shade or access to water, leave him at home in the AC and play with him when you get home in the cool of the evening.
Have a great and safe summer!
The Doctors and Staff of River City Veterinary Hospital
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com
208-888-7300