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Beating the Summer Heat!

Contributed by Mark Miller, Okfuskee County

SUMMER HEAT CAN BE DANGEROUS!

Heat stroke is an emergency that requires immediate recognition and prompt treatment. Dogs do not tolerate high temperatures as well as humans. When their body temperature reaches 107Ί, the cells of their body start to come apart. Dogs depend upon rapid breathing to exchange warm air for cool air. Accordingly when air temperature is close to body temperature, cooling by rapid breathing is not an efficient process.

Common situations that lead to overheating or heat stroke in dogs are:

1. Being left in a car in hot weather.

2. Being confined on concrete runs; chained without shade in hot weather.

3. Being of a short-nosed breed, especially a Bulldog or Pug.

4. Being muzzled while put under a dryer.

5. Suffering from airway disease or any condition that impairs breathing.

Any dog can get overheated, but the most susceptible are those that are overweight, have a heavy coat or a big body, are excitable and anxious. Short-nosed breeds have especially poor cooling systems.

Heat stroke begins with rapid, frantic, noisy breathing. The tongue and mucus membranes are bright red, the saliva is thick and tenacious and the dog frequently vomits. If the condition is allowed to go unchecked, the dog becomes unsteady and staggers, has diarrhea that often is bloody and becomes progressively weaker. Coma and death ensue.

Emergency measures must begin at once.

• Move the dog inside or in the shade.

• Wet him down with a hose or wet towels. Get him really wet, focusing on the hairless areas, like the belly and mouth.

• Increase evaporation. Fans and air conditioning help. DO NOT PUT WET DOGS INTO A CLOSED CRATE, this creates a sauna effect.

• COOL NOT COLD. Do not use ice. This constricts the blood vessels and locks the body heat in.

• He needs to drink frequently, in small amounts. If he won’t drink, wet the mouth down often.

• GET TO A VETERINARIAN. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!!!!!!

 

PREVENTION

1. Do not expose dogs with airway disease or impaired breathing to prolonged heat.

2. Restrict exercise during the heat of the day in summer.

3. Breed dogs in air-conditioned quarters.

4. Crate a dog only in an open wire cage.

5. Provide shade and cool water to dogs living in outdoor runs.