Special to the Star-Herald
The warm weather is here, doesn’t it feel great? This warm weather may feel great to us, but there are a few things to consider regarding your furry friends. They are not designed to be able to tolerate the heat as we are: they cannot sweat, they only cool off by panting, but as soon as the outside temperature reaches the dog’s inside temperature (approximately 99 degrees), panting no longer works to cool dogs. Overheated pets start to look uncomfortable and drool.
If not cooled down, heat stroke can occur. At this point, the dog is so overheated that organ failure, and even death, can occur.
It is our job as responsible pet owners to make sure this doesn’t happen to our beloved pets. Provide shelter from the sun. Keep your pets indoors.
Leave your pets at home; even a car parked in the shade with partially opened windows can become a furnace in a matter of minutes.
The interior can rapidly heat up to 40 degrees above the outside temperature. On an 80-degree day, the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees within minutes.
No pet can survive that heat. Pets should have access to cool fresh water at all times. Be sure you limit the dog’s play during the hottest times of day.
Omaha Vaccine Co. tells us, “Heatstroke is easier to prevent than treat. If you see your dog drooling, panting excessively, or acting worried, fatigued, or wobbly, he may be overheating. As the pet gets hotter, signs of impending heatstroke may occur. These include a rapid heart rate, nose, legs, and ears that are hot to the touch, diarrhea, and a swollen tongue. If your pet shows any signs of overheating, immediately stop all exertion, offer cool water, and find a cool place to rest. If not treated immediately, an animal that is overheating can suffer from heatstroke. A pet with heatstroke can lapse into a coma and die. Heatstroke must be treated immediately. It is a dire emergency. Stop whatever you are doing and move the animal to a cool, shaded place. Offer tiny amounts of cold water if the animal is conscious and can swallow. Do not try to force the dog to drink and do not try to give water to an unconscious pet. Cover the dog’s body with cool water and use ice packs around the body and head. Wrap the ice or ice packs in towels so that they are not directly against the animal’s body.”
“Placing ice directly against an overheated dog can confuse the dog’s internal thermostat and may actually delay cooling. Once the initial treatment is completed, the dog must be taken immediately to a veterinary hospital. Emergency veterinary care is necessary for recovery. Keeping the dog cool, well rested, and with access to water can prevent the need for this type of treatment.”
Another important thing to remember is that dogs with thick coats have them for a reason, so it is not advisable to shave your dog for the summer.
Instead, you can ask your groomer to “trim” your dog. The thick coat acts as an insulator to protect your dog from the heat and sun.
Do beware that matted fur can cause hot spots and it is advisable to keep your dog properly groomed.
Again, keeping our pets safe is our responsibility as pet guardians. It is our job to be responsible for their health and well being.
If you are looking for a friend for life, visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
We are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or give us a call at 764-3441.
Please be responsible and have your pets spayed or neutered! Have a great summer!
