The Dog Days of Summer
We love summer. Dogs love summer. And they are relying on us to keep them cool. If they don’t stay cool, they are prone to heatstroke.
What exactly is heat Stroke?
It means that the body can’t regulate its internal temperature. It’s already risen above normal, causing the internal organs and brain to overheat.
Your dog regulates body temperature in two main ways - panting and dilating blood vessels. Panting regulates body temperature by increasing evaporation surfaces of the mouth, so that the body releases heat. While the blood vessels allow heat to leave through the skin, it also lowers blood pressure which contributes to lethargy during heatstroke.
During heatstroke you might also notice symptoms like high breathing and heart rates, disorientation, restlessness, abnormal gum color, or dry gums. It’s scary for you and super uncomfortable for your pup.
So how do you make summer safer for your furry friend?
Always keep your dog in a space with easy access to shade or air conditioning. Your dog should never be left in a car alone. The temperature of a car increases so rapidly and can exceed your pup’s internal body temperature. In this case, panting will have very little benefit.
Always allow free access to water.
Minimize exercise in hot weather with brachycephalic breeds, who have a short nose, like pugs and bulldogs. These breeds are less efficient at lowering their body temperature by panting.
Reserve exercise for the coolest hours of the day, and avoid strenuous exercise in puppies, geriatric pets, and brachycephalic breeds.
If a muzzle is needed, use a well-sized basket muzzle to allow for panting.
Regularly groom double and thick coated breeds.
Restrict caloric intake to maintain a healthy body weight. Similar to humans, extra body weight insulates your dog making it harder for them to regulate their body temperature.
How to treat it:
If your dog shows signs of heatstroke, it is important that you reduce your dog’s body temperature immediately! First, call your vet. In the meantime don’t panic. Bring your dog’s body temperature down with cool (not cold) water or wet cloths. Apply them to the paws, abdomen, head and neck. Continually replace the cloths every 5 minutes, to prevent the cloth from warming up and retaining heat. Keep the room cool and well ventilated.
Your fur baby will be grateful!
Since being overweight makes your dog hotter, how can you keep your dog at an ideal weight? Find out in next month’s newsletter!”
Recommended Products
Dog Cooling Vest. Lightweight, Adjustable Cooling Shirt for Summer. Instant Cool Relief and Full UV Protection for Your Pet.
VISTOP Non-Slip Splash Pad for Kids and Dog, Thicken Sprinkler Pool Summer Outdoor Water Toys
