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Health & Fitness

Patch Blog: How Cool Is Your Dog?

What are the signs that a dog is too hot and how is heat stroke prevented? Some tools and suggestions that can save a dog's life.

Maybe you own a hot dog (not a Dachshund, but a sensitive-to-heat breed) like a Bulldog, Pug, Boxer, or other short schmushy-nosed breed that prove to be extremely heat sensitive. Those breeds are labeled brachycephalic and along with obese dogs, they are more susceptible to heat stroke. What about the rest of us who don’t have the automatic temperature gauge of such a dog?

As an owner of a Shepherd Mix who refuses to drink water in public (the joke is that he drinks alone and needs a dogtervention), it’s important for me to monitor his hydration and anticipate his temperature needs before he gets into any trouble. I asked Dr. Garcia, of Family Dog and Cat Hospital, about sunny day activities with dogs and dangers of heat stroke. She says, "Dogs are happy to be with their owners and don't always complain, so owners may not notice anything is wrong until after the fact. Preventing heat stroke is much easier than treating it. Treatment can not only be expensive, but dogs who suffer with heat stroke often times have a poor prognosis if not treated quickly." So, what are the signs that a dog is too hot and how is heat stroke prevented?

Signs your dog is too hot:

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  • rapid breathing/heavy panting
  • bright red tongue
  • heavy salivation
  • fatigue
  • muscle tremors
  • staggering

 

How to help keep them cool:

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  • Keep your pet out of hot cars. Did you know California State Law prohibits inhumane confinement of animals in parked motor vehicles? 88 degrees outside can turn into 105 degrees inside a parked car (in the shade with four windows cracked). Check My Dog Is Cool for more info. about the oven that is your car.

 

  • Make sure your dog has access to water at all times. My personal favorite dog water bottle, H2O4K9, has no BPAs, the top is the bowl, and water stays cool when used with the sling. And, as a bonus, the company is located in Monrovia.

 

  • Let your dog swim, play in the sprinkler, or wet his feet on hot days. Or try a cooling mat, bandanna, or vest. And keep shade available for a cool rest stop.

 

  • Offer ice cubes or freeze treats. My dogs love it when I drop a blueberry or two into water and freeze it into mini cubes for a cool snack on a hot day. Almost any dog safe food can be stuffed into a Kong and frozen for a special treat for your best dog pal.

 

  • Restrict exercise on hot days. Stick to walking them in the mornings and evenings or keep them inside and play games. When jogging or bicycling, it’s best to leave your dog at home. If he tries to keep pace with you in warm weather, the result could be fatal.

 

  • Avoid concrete areas on hot days to prevent their pads from burning. Feel the ground with your hand. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog. Stick to parks or other grassy areas.

 

To report dogs in cars that you think appear to be in trouble, or any other situation that you feel a dog may be in danger of heat stroke, contact your local Animal Control or Police Department. If you suspect a dog has heat stroke, contact your local veterinarian immediately.

Fun in the sun with your best dog pal can be fantastic, but when it's too hot, it's best to show your love for them by leaving them home in the A/C with a frozen Kong. You may save their life.

$ Saving tip: Here are some cool deals from Good Morning America (including the H2O4K9 bottle and Body Coolers pet cooling products): GMA Viewers Exclusive Deals

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