Canine Cool 101

The Triple H (Hazy, Hot, Humid) summer weather in Virginia seems to have started much earlier this year. Year by year, I can definitely feel the effects of climate change - and so can Big Boy.

While I fill Big Boy’s water bowl to ensure he has fresh water when we return from our walk, I notice that Big Boy is already panting lightly. I know Big Boy will start breathing harder, his tongue hanging out longer and longer, as we walk.

Dogs don’t sweat like humans to cool their body temperature; dogs only have few sweat glands where there isn’t fur (on the nose and paw pads). When your dog’s body temperature rises, they pant to circulate the air through their bodies to cool down.

While going out for exercise with your canine companion, have access to fresh water at ALL times. My easy and inexpensive solution has proven to be a lifesaver over the years:

Strap on a sport-pack with a water bottle holder (like the one shown in the cover photo) and clip on a collapsable travel bowl while walking. I carry a full 33 ounce water bottle with me. It is not cumbersome and truly makes a enormous difference; once I unclip and pop-out the bowl, dogs know immediately that relief is on the way.

Extreme heat conditions are both a human and companion animal warning to limit normal outdoor activity. The National Weather Service Heat Index chart is divided into four zones: Caution, Extreme Caution, Danger, and Extreme Danger. Heed heat advisories and adjust the intensity, duration, and time of exercise in relation to temperature and humidity.

Know and watch for signs of heatstroke. Animals can succumb to heatstroke easily and must be treated very quickly to give them the best chance of survival.

NEVER-NEVER-NEVER leave your dog or any other companion animal in a parked car. The temperature inside a car can rise quickly to dangerous levels, even on mild days. In a closed car, the temperature can be as much as or in excess of 20 degrees higher than the outside temperature.

While outdoors, walk on the grass as much as possible avoiding hot asphalt and sand. Stay in the shade as much as possible; dogs can sunburn, too!

Whew! When you’re back inside, treat your pup to a Frozen KONGsicle. You can do this anytime! Your dog not only deserves a frozen treat that lasts longer, enrichment is also an important part of your dog’s lifestyle.

Please Visit:

American Veterinary Medical Association: Basic Pet First Aid Procedures

American Veterinary Medical Association: Pets in Vehicles

Kong 101: Safety, Games, Recipes