How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Sweltering Weather : 1st Rate Articles

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How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Sweltering Weather

Reading this article could save your dog's life! Summertime brings longer days, warmer temperatures, and a need for safety. No matter where you live, the more you know about hot weather safety for your pet, the better. Dog heat stroke happens fast.

By Debra Rae

Reading this article could save your dog's life! Summertime brings longer days, warmer temperatures, and a need for safety. Whether you live in the far north, the deep south, the coast or the desert, the more you know about hot weather safety, the better.

For example, at temperatures of 40, 50, 60, or even 70 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on humidity levels) leaving your dog in the car can turn into a fatality. Dog heat stroke happens fast. Many places have laws about leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle - and the places that do not, should.

Think about it! If it's 70 degrees, humidity is low but all the car windows are rolled up with a 1-3' opening, the car is in the direct sun, or even the shade, and you're leaving your dog in the car for more than 10 minutes, could this be a problem?

Maybe it is 80 or 90 degrees Fahrenheit and you leave your dog in the car. Take a moment and ask yourself, is this safe? Ask yourself if you would be safe left in the conditions you plan to leave your dog in. Would a baby be safe? If your answer is no, then your dog will not be safe either.

Would a police officer, animal control officer, or veterinarian scold you or possibly ticket you for leaving your dog? If the answer is yes, then do not do it. If you have any doubt about your dog's safety, listen to that, and act accordingly.

In the spring and summer months, dog heat exhaustion and heat stroke happens easily. Watching a dog succumb due to heat exhaustion/stroke is heart breaking. They refuse water and food, are lethargic, breathe rapidly, cannot get up, are disoriented, vomit continually, have uncontrollable diarrhea, and slowly die.

To protect your dog from heat exhaustion/heat stroke, read the following:

Do not leave your dog in the car unless you plan to leave the air conditioner running.

Do not let your dog run and play in the middle of the day. Take your pooch out in the early morning or at night when it is cooler.

Keep in mind if you live in a highly humid/tropical climate, the actual heat index is 10-15 degrees higher than what the temperature gauge states. Exercise your dog when humidity is very low.

Take stock if your dog has dark colored fur. They will get hot faster (black absorbs heat where white repels it).

Be especially careful with short snouted dogs like pugs, bulldogs, mastiffs and shih tzus. These breeds overheat much faster, and are highly susceptible to dog heat stroke.

Provide shade for your dog. Buy a tarp or a sheet from the thrift store and put it up if necessary. It is a lot cheaper than a vet bill.

Always have fresh, clean water available for your dog. Dogs need hydration. Have a large plastic dish (metal gets hot) and leave your garden hose slightly running into the dish. A vet bill can be much higher than a water bill.

An ice cold beer is not the answer for your dog on a hot summer day! Alcohol is poison for your dog. Give it lots of cold, clean water. Some dogs like ice cubes.

Please do not tether your dog outside when it is hot. Dogs easily get the tether wrapped around various objects and end up in the sun. This is a recipe for dog heat stroke.

Remember, your dog does not wear shoes - and asphalt, concrete, etc. get very hot in the summer sun. Burnt puppy pads are very painful and can become a serious infection issue quickly. Imagine yourself walking barefoot on asphalt in the summer. I did that a few times when I was young; what a mistake. Ouch! Walk your dog when it is cooler outside, and preferably in shaded areas.

When you are out and about with your dog, do not let your dog drink from stagnant water sources. These often have bacteria and mold that will make your dog very sick. A vomiting dog is horrible.

Never, ever leave your dog unsupervised around a swimming pool. They can easily drown. If you have a pool, train your dog where the stairs are located so they know how to get out. Just like children, keep an eye on your dog at all times when they are in the pool area.

If any of the following occur, immediately call your veterinarian or animal emergency hospital:

Rapid breathing with an increased heart rate.

Your dog has discolored gums. Dogs with heat stroke have dull gray or pink gums instead of the normal red-pink color.

Your dog is disoriented - they are unaware of their environment.

Your dog isn't listening or obeying commands, seems lost, or scared.

Your dog has a wild or panicked expression.

If you suspect your dog may have heat stroke, first call your veterinarian or animal emergency center. Secondly, to help bring your dog's temperature down, do the following:

Gently place a cool washcloth on the bare belly area. Keep rinsing the cloth with fresh cool water and applying until your dog is calmer (this should only take about 5 minutes).

Nothing in this article is a substitute for getting your dog to the veterinarian or animal emergency hospital. Get your dog checked out if you have any doubts.

With the temperatures rising all over, be aware and make adjustments when necessary to take the very best care of your dog. If you have questions or concerns, talk with your veterinarian or veterinary technician. It could save your canine family member's life.

About the Author:

Miss Debra Rae has been around animals her entire life. For years, she ran a veterinary clinic and an animal emergency center. She continues to research and write about dogs, who are indeed man's best friend. Visit Miss Rae's website by clicking here, and find a ton of information for your furry canine family member. Article Source: 1st Rate Articles - http://1stRateArticles.com

Article added 08/15/07, last revised 08/15/07.

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