Prevent Your Dog from Overheating

by Jan Casey, Senior Dog Behavior Consultant

Seems like it was only yesterday we were all bundled in sweaters and coats, dreaming of warmer days when we could frolic in the sunshine with our dogs. Our visions of playing disc and running agility were the lifelines we used to make it through those cold days when just walking our dogs was more than we cared to do with them outside. This year it seems we bypassed Spring and moved straight into Summer, welcoming the change, but not the problems associated with it.

Summer brings with it a host of dangers for our dogs – heat, bugs, snakes, dangerous vegetation and lawn products to name a few. Become proactive at protecting your four-legged beastie and be ready should all your best efforts fail.

Heat. By now, most readers are aware of the danger of leaving a pet in a car when the temperatures rise. The AVMA has produced a chart showing just how quickly the temperature can rise in a car, even with the windows cracked (https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/pets-in-vehicles.aspx). At 70° for example, the temperature will reach 89° in 10 minutes, 99° within 20 minutes. Sweating is the mechanism by which the body releases excess heat, but dogs only have sweat glands around their feet and noses, so it is an ineffective cooling method for them. Panting does not help significantly when the temperatures are too great. Never leave your dog unattended in a car, even just for a moment –keep them safe at home.

Cars are not the only source of heat dangers for dogs. We tend to forget dogs cannot play as hard nor as long when the temperatures outside rise. Heatstroke can occur easily in the warmer weather. Bethany Jordan, Certified Veterinary Technician and owner of the DogSmith of the Florida Panhandle and South Alabama, has shared the following information for owners: “…symptoms include rectal temperature over 104°; excessive panting; bright red gums and tongue; gums feel dry to the touch; thick saliva; excessive shaking; staggering; laying down and refusing or unable to get back up.” She suggests the following if you suspect your dog may be suffering from heatstroke: “remove the dog from the hot environment; immediately get rectal temperature if possible; DO NOT submerge or saturate your dog with cold water or ice!! (This may make internal damage more severe); place cool, wet rags or washcloths on major blood vessels such as the jugular vein(along the neck) and the femoral artery(inside the rear leg)). Replace often; slightly dampen your dog with lukewarm water and place directly in front of a fan to safely wick away heat – do not soak; offer your dog cool water to drink, but do not force water into the mouth; most effective treatment is with IV fluids and medications administered by your veterinarian; call or visit your vet right away – even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary (and further testing may be recommended).” Consider playing outside games with your dog only early in the morning or late in the evening or play brain games inside the house.

Bugs. It’s paradise for fleas and ticks in the heat, so be sure to check your dog often for these nasty parasites. Consider using natural repellants rather than systemic drugs and avoid over-the-counter spot-on treatments which have proven to be toxic to some dogs. Look for natural oils or diatomaceous earth. A search online will give you many options from buying prepared solutions to making your own.

Snakes are part of the ecosystem and provide benefits by eating rodents and insects. It’s important to distinguish nonpoisonous snakes from poisonous ones in order to protect both your dog and the harmless snakes. One very cool site to explore is http://www.enature.com/zipguides/ . After you enter your zipcode, you can search for wildlife dangers present in your area including not only snakes, but also amphibians, other reptiles, and mammals.

At the enature site you will also find a list of wildflowers and trees which can present health problems for your pet. Some are so common, one wouldn’t think twice about them. As more time is spent outside in the warmer seasons, it is best to become familiar with local plants (and those in areas in which we may take a vacation with our pets) in order to avoid them.

I have written before of the dangers posed by lawn and garden chemicals. To repeat this information for those who may have missed it previously, read the label of anything you buy to improve your landscape. Certain mulches can be toxic: cocoa mulch, rubber mulch, or any mulch which contains weed preventative. Opt for more natural cedar or pine mulches. Fertilizers and pesticides can also pose dangers, so be sure to check the label for warnings or look for a natural product that does not require a period of time in which animals and humans are not permitted to touch it after application.

Summer is a great time to play with family and pets. By being alert to the dangers which can be present, tragedy may be avoided. Have a plan of action should something go wrong. Know pet first aid. Keep both your veterinarian’s phone number and the number of the emergency clinic handy. Here’s hoping you have fun and enjoy the season!