Who Lets The Dogs Out Newsletter
This issue includes information on:
Preventing and recognizing heatstroke in your pets.
Can All dogs Swim? Safety information when you are out on the water with your pets.
Summer Dangers For Pets…..Preventing Heatstroke!
If you have ever experienced heat stroke, you know how frightening and potentially lethal it can be. Heat stroke is just as dangerous to our pets, so we need to be careful when warmer temperatures set in.
What are the signs of heat stroke in pets?
Imagine not being able to shed your winter clothes on a hot summer day, and your only means of cooling off was by panting. Dogs and cats have little choice when it comes to keeping cool in summer heat. Recognizing the signs of heatstroke will allow for prompt treatment. Time is of the essence when treating this dangerous condition. Signs of heat stroke include (but are not limited to):
- body temperatures of 104-110F degrees
- excessive panting
- dark or bright red tongue and gums
- sticky or dry tongue and gums
- staggering
- stupor
- seizures
- bloody diarrhea or vomiting
- coma
- death
It is wise to learn how to take your pet's temperature in the event of an emergency.
Things to Remember
Hot weather creates additional hazards for your pet. Animals can't change their wardrobe or turn on the air conditioning like humans do to keep comfortable. Using good common sense will help to prevent a heat-related pet emergency. Besides the obvious of providing shelter and shade, fresh water, and good grooming, here are some other things to remember to help keep your pet cool and healthy during extreme heat:
Be aware of ways that your pet could accidentally be caught without shade.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Is your pet on a tether and could potentially get caught out in the full sun?
- Will the shade be available all day?
- While the shelter provides shade, is it hotter inside the shelter?
If possible, utilize shade from trees in addition to the dog house; assuring that there is sufficient shade all day long.
- If your pet is left indoors, is air conditioning available?
- Will the house stay cool through the heat of the day?
Basement access will provide a naturally cool area to keep your pet comfortable. For indoor or outdoor animals, a cool water "bath" before leaving for work will provide additional cooling for your pet.
- Is fresh, cool water available at all times?
- Can your pet spill the water source?
Consider installing an automatic pet waterer. Do not plan long walks or go jogging in the heat of the day, as this can be life-threatening for some dogs. Plan exercise and outdoor activities in the relative coolness of morning and evening time. Be sure to bring along fresh water or a collapsible drinking bowl to allow your pet to get a cool drink when needed. NEVER leave your pet in the car, even if it is only for a "quick errand"! This is very dangerous, even on days that are only mildly warm. If you see a pet locked in a car, please call local animal authorities immediately, you may save their life!
What to do if you suspect heat stroke:
Brachycephalic breeds (the short-nosed breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs), large heavy-coated breeds, and those dogs with heart or respiratory problems are more at risk for heat stroke. If you suspect heat stroke in your pet, seek veterinary attention immediately! Find some shade immediately! Get your pet out of the heat. Use cool water, not ice water, to cool your pet. (Very cold water will cause constriction of the blood vessels and impede cooling.) Cool wet cloths on feet and around head. Do not aid body cooling below 103 F degrees - some animals can actually get HYPOthermic, too cold. Offer ice cubes for the animal to lick on until you can reach your veterinarian, but do not force ice or water on your pet. Just because your animal is cooled and "appears okay", DO NOT assume everything is fine. Internal organs such as liver, kidneys, brain, etc. are definitely affected by the body temperature elevation, and blood tests and veterinary examination are needed to assess the current condition and any damage that may have been done. There is also a complex blood problem, called DIC (Disseminated Intra vascular Coagulation) that can be a secondary complication to heat stroke that can be fatal.
Important Information
If you have any questions about heatstroke in your pet or a pet you find locked in a parked car, please contact your veterinarian or local animal authorities immediately. This is a very time critical condition. The color of the coat does make a difference in a couple of ways. First, just like humans wearing dark clothing, the effect of the heat will be more noticeable in the hot rays of the sun for dark-haired animals. The dark colors absorb the heat more than light colors, which reflect the heat away. For the record, ALL pets, regardless of coat color, should always have access to cool shade and fresh cool water in the summer heat and a dog house out in the sun doesn't count, as the temperatures inside can be even higher than outdoors even though they provide shade. Coat color can also make a difference when thinking about the damaging effect of the sun's UV (ultraviolet) rays. Lighter-colored animals are much more prone to sunburn and skin cancer than their darker-colored companions. Cats, dogs, and horses that spend a lot of time in the sun and have a light colored coat or lack the black pigment around the eyes, ears, and nose, can get sunburned more easily and quickly. Cats in particular, love "sunbathing", as any cat lover knows! Long term effects of sun exposure may include skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Remember heat stroke is deadly in a short amount of time! Hopefully you and your pets are staying cool in the summer heat!
Can All Dogs Swim?
Pets are part of the family, and more pets than ever are taking vacations with their families. For those that travel to lakes, rivers and the coastal areas with their pets, it is a good idea to stop and think about your pet being near water. Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs can swim! This is a common misconception, probably helped along by the swim stroke referred to as the "dog paddle." As a matter of fact some dogs just don't take to the water at all.
Breeds with low body fat like Dobermans and Boxers can have trouble in the water. Older dogs may tire easily and breeds prone to hip dysphasia may have difficulty swimming. Hypothermia can be a threat to some breeds when they are unduly exposed to cold or cool water. No matter how well a dog can swim under supervision, any dog can drown. All dogs can get fatigued and/or become disoriented. Some breeds simply do not enjoy being anywhere near water and some breeds that have low body fat (Greyhounds, Whippets, etc.) may have a much more difficult time staying afloat and regulating body temperature. There are some breeds that love to be in the water, such as Retrievers and Labradors. However, it is important to remember that even these "water dogs" can have trouble if they are elderly, sick, or overweight and out of shape. Fatigue can set in quickly, and no matter how good a swimmer they are, they may tire out and be unable to stay afloat. Like their human counterparts, many dogs lead a much more sedentary life style these days, and gasping for breath while in water is not a good way to assess their fitness level. Fear and anxiety in the water, as when a pet falls in unexpectedly, can hamper normal respiration and swimming ability as well. Waves, undertows, currents and fast-moving rivers can overtake even the strongest swimmer. Wearing a life vest may be the difference between life and death. For those of you with an easily excited pet, or one that is anxious to chase things - sometimes forgetting the water, you may want to consider a life vest, when boating or fishing, or spending time near a pool. If you are considering a life vest for your pet, talk to other boaters and pet owners. The US Coast Guard, which regulates human life jackets, does not regulate vests for pets, so be sure to have your pet fitted for the vest that will work best. Dogs in particular come in every shape/size/weight, so be sure to get accurate measurements for a good fit. There are many jacket styles out there and the materials used have different levels of buoyancy in the water, so it is important make sure the life vest adequately meets your pet's weight and size requirements. However, even with a life vest, do not leave your pet unattended - they can be quite hot to wear if not in the water and your pet may chew or become entangled in the vest if bored or wanting to escape. Most products on the market have lifting handles that make retrieving your dog much easier for you and safer for all concerned. Thus, the handles, straps, buckles and overall fit of the jackets should be the most important considerations. Some pet life vests buckle underneath the dog and around the neck, putting the flotation on the dog's back or ribs. Life vests clearly change the way each dog floats and the added buoyancy should certainly help a tired or elderly dog. Pet life vests are designed to float the animal in a horizontal, swimming position, and not with the head up, and out of the water like they do for their human counterparts. The life vests are designed not to interfere with the dog's swimming ability although you need to be careful about extra-long straps. While the excess strap length does not pose any problems with swimming, you might want to shorten the straps to avoid any snagging problems. If you spend a lot of time near water this summer and your faithful canine is at your side, and their swimming abilities are questionable, a life vest may be a good idea, but they should never replace caution and common sense.
Have a Great Summer!!!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Maley
Who Lets The Dogs Out, LLC
321-223-0627
Professional Pet Sitting in Your Home & Daily Dog Walking
