These last hot weeks of summer aren’t called “dog days” because your pet will appreciate the chance to perfect his tan. (Ancient people looking at the night skies saw dog-shaped constellations this time of year.) In reality dog days aren’t the least bit fun for your canine friend—they’re filled with danger. To safeguard your pet, pay attention to these tips from Dr. Nicole Weber of Pipestone Veterinary Clinic.
Heat exhaustion is the primary concern, of course, but Dr. Weber reminds us some dogs face more risk. “Be especially watchful if your dog is a category with notably poor heat- tolerance. Very young dogs, old dogs, dogs with medical conditions, and short-muzzled dogs struggle most when it’s hot,” she explains. “Bulldogs, pugs, boxers, and other short-muzzled dogs lack the ability to pant as effectively as dogs with longer noses. It’s best to keep these breeds—and all high-risk pets—inside when heat and humidity are high.”
These indicators point to heat exhaustion:
- Heavy panting
- Dark red gums
- A rectal temperature exceeding 103.5 degrees. Normal dog body temperature falls between 99° and 102.5°. Elevated temperature calls for cooling with a bath, a fan, or medical intervention. (Call Pipestone Veterinary Clinic at 507-825-4211.)
Dr. Weber hopes you’ll take these steps to protect your pet.
- Never leave any living thing in a closed, parked car this time of year. Heat stroke is possible even when outside temperatures are as low as 60°.
- Provide shade and unlimited access to fresh water when your dog is outdoors. Set up a child-size wading pool so your dog can cool down any time.
- Don’t exercise your dog in the heat of the day. In fact, keep all runs and walks short this time of year.
- Hunting dogs, however, should be gradually introduced to exercise before the season starts. Many dogs succumb to heat stroke on opening day because they haven’t been appropriately conditioned prior to hunting.
One final note. Ever mistakenly gripped the door handle of a car in a hot parking lot? Then you can image how a hot metal boat dock or sun-baked pavement sear a dog’s unprotected feet. Tender footpads, says Dr. Weber, can burn in seconds. |