Keep your dog safe this summer with tips on preventing heatstroke, avoiding common warm-weather hazards, and ensuring fun, healthy outdoor activities.
Many of us enjoy the summer months. If we have dogs, though, we must know the health risks associated with this time of year, from heatstroke to accidental poisoning. Check out these tips on summer safety for dogs.
Understanding heatstroke
The American Veterinary Medical Association defines heatstroke as “a severe, life-threatening form of non-pyrogenic hyperthermia with a rapid, excessive rise in body temperature typically above 105°F when the dog’s thermoregulatory mechanisms fail to dissipate accumulated heat, often accompanied by neurological dysfunction.”
According to veterinarian Dr. Ashley Rossman, DVM, signs of heatstroke in dogs include:
- difficulty breathing
- rapid heartbeat
- heavy panting
- excessive thirst
- lethargy
- fever
- glazed eyes
- dizziness
- lack of coordination
- drooling
- vomiting,
- dark red or purple tongue
- seizure
- unconsciousness.
“When dogs pant, moisture from the tongue evaporates, which helps regulate body heat,” says Dr. Rossman. “High humidity limits that process, and their ability to cool themselves. Body temperature can rapidly reach dangerous or even fatal levels.”
Very young, elderly, or overweight dogs are more prone to heatstroke. The same applies to dogs with heart or respiratory issues. Brachycephalic breeds with short muzzles, such as bulldogs and boxers, may have difficulty breathing in extreme heat.
Preventing heatstroke: Limit exercise to the early morning or evening, when it’s cooler. At home, make sure your dog has protection from heat and sun, and access to clean water. Trees or tarps are better for shade than enclosed structures like doghouses, because they don’t restrict air flow.
Treating heatstroke: If your dog develops signs of heatstroke, immediately move him to a cool indoor area. Apply cool towels to his paw pads, head, neck, chest, and groin or pour cool (not cold) water over him. Provide small sips of water. Get him to a veterinarian ASAP.
More summer safety tips for dogs
- Never leave your dog alone in a parked vehicle. This can quickly result in fatal heatstroke.
- Don’t shave your dog; trimming his coat is fine.
- Keep him away from insecticides, citronella candles, insect coils, grills and fire pits.
- If you use sunscreen or insect repellent on your dog, apply only natural products specifically labeled for dogs.
- Supervise your dog around water, including swimming pools. Have him wear a flotation device, and bathe him afterwards to remove chlorine, salt, etc. from his coat.
- Don’t allow your dog to drink from swimming pools, lakes or streams.
- Keep barbecue foods and drinks out of his reach. Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, cooked bones, onions, chocolate, grapes (and raisins) are all harmful to dogs.
With the proper precautions, you and your dog can enjoy a safe, fun and healthy summer!
The post Summer safety for dogs appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.
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