Beat the Heat This Summer

• Tweet

• Tweet

As the temperature climbed to 98 degrees INSIDE my house, it made me think maybe I should share some tips on staying cool this summer.  Number one, make sure your air conditioner does not go out if you live in Georgia in the hottest month of the year, August!  But if it does arm yourself with the knowledge you need to keep you and your dog cool all year long.

The first thing to realize, is that your dog cannot sweat out of all his pores like you can.  Dogs cool themselves by panting, and sweating through their paw pads.  This is not a rapid cooling system and that is why dogs can suffer from heat stroke very rapidly!  The veterinarian I use to work for use to tell our clients that any temperature over 70 degrees can be potentially dangerous for your furry friend.  If your dog is actively exercising his temperature will increase even more quickly, so make sure he has access to lots of water and it is best to have access to a body of water so your dog can immerse and cool his whole body when it gets hot.

Next, arm yourself with knowledge!

The first thing to know is that a normal dog body temperature is 100 to 102.5.  Put a thermometer in your car or you your backpack in case you need to use it to monitor your dog.  Dog temperatures must be taken rectally, they don’t keep it under their tongues and the ear thermometers can be inaccurate.

Recognize the signs

• Rapid panting
• Red or pale gums
• Red tongue
• Thick sticky saliva
• Vomiting, sometimes with blood
• Weakness
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Disorientation
• Diarrhea
• Shock
• Coma

What to do

Take him out of the heat immediately and slowly begin to cool him immersing him in or room temperature water.  Cold water may make things worse, his body needs to acclimate to the temperature change or it can cause other life threatening conditions.   Check his temperature rectally every 5 minutes until he reaches 103 then stop and dry him off and continue to monitor his temperature regularly as you take him to the vet for assessment.  He should be examined by a vet to make sure he is not suffering from dehydration or other complications.

Your vet will continue to monitor his temperature, administer IV or subcutaneous fluid and monitor his blood’s clotting.  Complications can include kidney failure, heart abnormalities, breathing distress, and shock.   He will be treated as your vet deems appropriate, but do not fail to take him to the vet, as these symptoms are not easily seen without having a thorough exam and blood work.

Prevention

• Dogs with obesity, heart conditions, breathing problems and those that are older can have a more difficult time cooling themselves.  These dogs need to be kept in the shade or in cooler areas and not over exercised in warm weather.
• Provide constant access to drinking water and to bodies of water if at all possible.
• NEVER leave your dog in a parked car in the heat (windows down or not) the heat in a parked car can climb upwards of 150 degrees very rapidly and cause death.
• Make sure dogs left outside have access to cool water and shade.  In extreme heat even outside dogs in the shade can suffer and die due to heat and exposure.
• If you and your dog must be outside you can access cooling mats for crates and other accessories by searching online.  You can also seek comfort by going into air conditioned places or running the air conditioning in your car for periods of time to cool you both off.

Remember, that your dog’s body temperature rises more quickly than yours and due to his coat and his inability to sweat like we do he has a harder time cooling himself off when the temperatures soar.  Monitor his comfort level, make sure he has plenty of water to drink and swim in and have a great time!

---

2 responses to “Beat the Heat This Summer”

1. Doug J. writes:
   

   This stuff is so super key!
   People forget that dogs have coats.

   [Reply]

   @ August 21st, 2010 at 02:49
2. Rob writes:
   

   Great article! It breaks my heart when I see dogs left in cars on a summer day.

   [Reply]

   @ August 31st, 2010 at 08:36