our advice : ASK DR . CATE
Vet Rap by Dr . Ryan Cate
Helping Dogs Avoid Getting Overheated in the ‘ Dog Days ’ of Summer
Question : Dear Dr . Cate : With the heat being so severe in these summer months , what do we need to know about overheating in dogs ?
Answer : During the summer , heat exhaustion and overheating in dogs become major issues , especially for Texas residents who are forced to try and keep their pets healthy in such extreme temperatures . There are several actions owners can take if their dogs are negatively affected by this heat , as well as several preventative measures in order to keep your four-legged family members cool during these conditions .
Different from humans , dogs only have a few sweat glands , which are located in their paws . This makes it very difficult for them to release heat from their system and puts them at a high risk for dehydration , overheating , and even heat stroke . Dogs cool off by panting rather than sweating , putting them at an even higher risk than their owners .
How can you tell if your dog is overheating ?
If a dog is overheating the first symptom most owners notice is extreme panting . In addition to extreme panting , signs could also be as simple as your pet acting slightly less responsive or lethargic . There are several other symptoms to look for such as glazed eyes , excessive drooling , rapid heart rate , lack of coordination , loss of consciousness , convulsion , vomiting , diarrhea or having a bright red or blue color to its gums . Overheating is a condition that occurs in dogs when their body is unable to regulate or lower their temperature . One of the best ways to evaluate the severity of your pet ’ s condition is to take its temperature by using a rectal thermometer . While each dog may vary just as humans do , a normal temperature is between 99.5 and 102.5 ; anything exceeding 102.5 is considered a fever . Temperatures in excess of 104 are considered critical and need immediate medical attention .
What to do if your dog is overheating ?
If you suspect your dog is overheating , submerging its lower body in cool , fresh water is a great way to try and lower body temperature . Another option is to take a wet towel to its paw pads , between its hind legs , neck or armpits to try to cool it off more quickly . If you suspect your dog ’ s body temperature is putting it in danger , always contact your veterinarian and let them know you are coming to see them in advance . Providing them with some time to prepare for your pet and its condition can allow them to act faster and take all necessary measures to return the pet to a healthy state . If your dog is severely overheating , symptoms can progress to serious conditions such as heat stroke , cardiac arrest or even sudden death . If your dog is a severe case , even the smallest amount of time can make a huge difference in saving its life .
How do I know if my dog is at a higher risk of overheating ?
Certain breeds , lifestyles and health conditions put dogs at a higher risk during the summer months . Knowing if your pet is one of them can make a huge difference in its well-being . If your dog has a flat face or short nose , such as bulldogs , Boston terriers , shih-tzus , pugs , boxers and Cavalier King Charles spaniels , these breeds are more susceptible to respiratory conditions such brachycephalic syndrome . Any pet with a respiratory condition should be closely monitored while in the heat ; considering a dog ’ s main source of releasing heat is by panting , a restricted airway can dramatically increase its risk of overheating . If your pet is a working dog used for tasks such as retrieving , hunting , and working / gathering cattle or sheep , it is also at a high risk in these conditions . Working dogs often get overheated because they focus intently on their task rather than their own physical condition ; owners need to be very cautious not to overwork their dogs during summer months . Puppies , older dogs and overweight dogs are also more sensitive to the heat , as well as any who may have a heart condition . A completely healthy dog can easily acquire health issues in such extreme temperatures , so those who fit these criteria need a little extra help from their owners to stay cool .
How do I prevent my dog from overheating ?
Thankfully , owners have several options to help prevent these conditions , while still having a fun-filled summer with their pets . If you like to take your dogs with you on runs or walks , try to go in the morning or evening when the temperatures are a little less severe . Another option if you enjoy outdoor activities with your pet is to try swimming ; take off to your local lake or a pool and let the water keep your pup cool while exercising . For your working dogs , be sure they have plenty of rest breaks in a cool place and water to stay hydrated during the day . Long-haired breeds have trouble keeping cool in the Texas heat ; try giving them a summer cut to make their life a little cooler .
Lastly , never under any circumstances leave your dog in a hot car . Even if the weather doesn ’ t feel hot to you , according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention , if the temperature outside is 70 degrees , the temperature inside a car can escalate to 104 degrees in just half an hour . Leaving your dog in a vehicle in temperatures between 80 and 100 degrees , conditions will quickly reach up to between 130 to 172 degrees . People are often unaware of how quickly vehicles rise to such unbearable temperatures . Please take the time to educate yourself on your dog ’ s well-being and plan ahead when traveling .
AUGUST 2018 PARKER COUNTY TODAY
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