Safety Tip: How to Handle the Heat. And Happy 4th of July

Tomorrow I will write about the challenges of the 4th of July.  These past few days, heat has been a big news story.   Of course NEVER, NEVER, EVER leave a pet, child, or any living thing, in vehicle unattended.  The main recommendation is to stay indoors, use air conditioning, and stay hydrated.    For those without air conditioning, the recommendation is to find a cooling center.    Of course we know that wildlife don't have these options and most will survive this discomfort.  When hot days come gradually, it is easier to acclimate, but when they come on suddenly, the health risks are much greater.   Air movement, shade, water are the keys to survival.   

Even with air conditioning, stagnant air can feel hotter.  Air circulation helps the skin dissipate the heat.  Many animals sweat and air movement helps to wick that sweat away or cool it, but dogs don't sweat, they pant.  Fans are still valuable, even in air conditioned spaces.  Some people shave their dogs thinking that a shorter hair cut will help keep them cool, but long coats can act as a buffer zone between the hot air and the skin.     The temperature of the top of the coat is much hotter than at the skin level.  I don't recommend shaving, but I do recommend fans!

Water should be available and cool so that it assists with cooling the core body temperature.  Like people, dogs also need electrolytes.  If you feel your dog is becoming dehydrates, you may want to provide some electrolytes in the form of Pedialyte unflavored.  

Be Very Careful walking dogs on pavement or asphalt.  Driveways, Sidewalks, parking lots all retain heat for a significantly longer period of time than the air temperature and in full sun they can get hot enough to burn the feet.  Even mulch gets really hot so stay on the grass as much as possible when going outside to potty.  

Not all shade is the same.  Natural shade such as trees are much cooler- mostly because of the air flow and the movement of the leaves which assists with air movement.   Tents, shade cloths, other man-made shade certainly is better than no shade, but sometimes fans are also needed to assist with air flow.  There are many good portable, battery operated fans on the market for such occasions.  

A dog's normal temperature is between 99 degrees to 102.5   You can take the temperature using a rectal thermometer,  If your dog begins to hyperventilate, it is a sign they are not able to dissipate enough heat to regulate their body.  They should be offered additional water, wet them down, and increase the air flow around them.  Most of the time that will be sufficient.  If your dog is confused, weak, has dry gums, they might be experiencing heat stress.   

Body temperatures above 105 degrees Fahrenheit is dangerous and can be life threating.  Most dogs won't experience this sort of distress in a normal environment, however, Heat Stroke can occur VERY quickly in vehicles and other closed environments.  

How to Cool a Heat Stressed Dog

1. Apply ice or cool packs to the a) armpits  b) groin area c)the neck

2. Increase the air movement by fanning, blowing, or better yet, move to an air conditioned area or use fans

3. Immerse the dog in tepid (not really cold) water bath, or pour cool water in the armpits, groin area, and over the neck

4. Seek Veterinary assistance