No Hot Dogs! (or Preparing for the Dog Days of Summer)

By Dr. Kim Everson, DVM

Therapy dogs spend more time than the average pet dog in the car. Whereas some dogs never leave the house except for their annual veterinary visit, I’ll wager most therapy dogs travel with their humans on a near-daily basis for work sessions as well as play. These pooches are generally so easy to have around it might be tempting to forget that canines—even the best behaved—are not welcome in all public spaces. So do you run into the supermarket on your way home from the nursing home to pick up a few items, leaving your furry friend in the car? It will only take a second…

 

Leaving a dog in a car for any period of time in warm weather is not a good idea. Heat exhaustion can kill your pet!  Even if the outside temperature feels pleasant, you should never leave a pet alone in a car, even with the windows down.  On a sunny day your car can reach 120 degrees in minutes. Take a moment to watch Dr. Ernie Ward’s dramatic demonstration on how hot it gets inside a parked car on a sunny day. And remember, even if you park in the shade, it won’t stay that way. What was shady an hour ago will soon be sun-beaten.

 

Here are some other tips for keeping your pet safe during the hot, humid weather of Wisconsin summer:

  • Limit exercise to the coolest part of the day, no matter how happy your dog is to participate when it is warm.
  • Older, obese or short-nosed dogs (e.g., pugs, Pekingese, bulldogs), and those with heart or lung diseases are less heat tolerant and should be kept in cool areas as much as possible.
  • All dogs need constant access to shade and an endless supply of cool, clean water.
  • Dogs perspire through their paw pads, so the longer they spend on the hot pavement or sandy beach, the harder it is for them to cool down. Don’t allow your dog to stand on the street for prolonged periods at summer festivals, farmers’ markets, and outdoor outreach events.
  • Pets can get sunburned too!!  Areas of the skin that have less hair, such as the lips, ears and nose are common areas for sunburn, especially in light-colored pets.  Keep pets in the shade during peak sun hours (10 am – 4 pm). If you and your pet must endure a scorcher, the same rules for sun protection apply to you both. Sunscreens labeled for use on human babies are generally well-tolerated by dogs, but don’t let them lick it off. An umbrella, sun hat or light-weight clothing can provide UV protection for Fido as well as for you.
  • Inside the house, you should provide adequate ventilation with screened, open windows, air conditioning or fans. Don’t be offended if your dog turns his back on the comfy cushion you have provided in favor of a cool tile or basement floor.

Whether working or playing outside, watch for signs of heat stroke. An overheated animal may pant heavily, slobber from the mouth, vomit or have diarrhea. He may have a blank stare or fail to respond to commands. Glassy eyes, frantic panting, or collapse indicate a dog needs immediate veterinary help. You must quickly reduce the body temperature by soaking the animal in lukewarm (not icy) water and by gently massaging the legs and body. Assessment and additional treatment by your veterinarian is recommended.

With a little precaution and planning, you and your canine companion can enjoy a safe and productive summer at home and on the road.

 

Originally printed in “Healing Paws” newsletter, Summer 2013