Will Your Dog Survive the Summer Sun?
As a 10 year old child, I watched helplessly one hot August day as my beloved boxer, Duke, died in my arms. Four decades later, I still have that memory painfully etched in my mind. We didn't learn until after the fact that Duke had died of a heat stroke. Even more painful was the realization that, had we known what to look for, we could have taken measures to possibly prevent his death. In honor of his memory, I want to share vital information that may keep your dog from suffering Duke's fate.
What is heat stroke? Too much time exposed to the dangerous combination of increased temperature and humidity can lead to a heat stroke. A mammal's body (and that includes humans, too) can only tolerate temperatures up to about 107 degrees before cells start dying. The higher the temperature, the faster this occurs. The longer the body remains at an elevated temperature, the less chance there is for recovery. Heat stroke can occur very quickly, given the right set of circumstances, and if too much time has elapsed, even your best efforts may not be enough to keep your dog alive.
Is my dog at risk for heat stroke? Any dog can fall victim to heat stroke, but hot weather is especially hard on puppies and older dogs, (they have a harder time regulating their body temperature), short-nosed breeds, (like pugs, pekes, boxers and bulldogs), overweight dogs, those with heart or lung problems, and dogs recently moved from a cooler climate. These risk factors increase if your dog doesn't have enough water, if he's in an enclosed space or is exposed too long to direct sunlight.
How can I recognize heat stroke? Heat stroke causes dogs to pant rapidly and heavily, the body's defense in an effort to lower the core temperature. Their eyes may be open abnormally wide, and they may appear to stare blankly, ignoring your commands. They may drool excessively and stagger weakly. The gums will appear pale and dry and eventually, if left untreated, the animal will collapse into unconsciousness.
What should I do if my dog has a heat stroke? If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke and you're close to a vet or animal hospital, put him in the car, crank the air conditioning all the way up and get him there as soon as possible. They're the ones best equipped to handle your dog's recovery. If that's not possible, you must try to reduce your dog's temperature yourself. Get him to a shady area and either put him in a tub of cool (not cold) running water, or spray him with a hose. Be sure the water penetrates his coat and wets the skin beneath. Run it over his tongue and mouth, inside the legs and on his stomach. Remember that small dogs will cool down more quickly than larger breeds. Take your dog to a vet as soon as you can.
Hopefully your dog will never suffer a life-threatening heat stroke. If he does, at least now you know the signs and symptoms to be aware of, and the measures you can take that will offer him the best chances for a full and total recovery.
Honey Wesley is the owner of "It's a Dog's Life", a fun, innovative and informative website dedicated to dogs and dog lovers everywhere. For the follow-up to this article, send a blank email here. You'll get "12 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe this Summer".
Related Articles:
Is Your Dog Fat?
Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing dogs. You can and should do something about it.
Care For Eyes, Ears And Nails Of Dog
No matter you are having your dog showered or only coming hair, you should care for his eyes, ears, teeth and anal Dog eyes are considered healthy if their eyes are bright and clear with large open eyelids
Choosing A Happy ?Space? For A New Shih Tzu Puppy
Help your new Shih Tzu puppy to develop good habits right from day one in your home. The earlier your Shih Tzu puppy becomes accustomed to his surroundings and belongings the more secure he will be in a new environment. Consider the following tips:
Tips on Easy House Breaking Your Puppy
If you are lucky enough to get a 7-week-old puppy, there is no excuse for any bad habits to develop over his lifetime. Puppies learn INSTANTLY when they are that young, and if you use the proper training methods, gentle but consistent, he will behave like an angel his whole life through.
Speaking To The Heart Of The Dog
You don?t turn a book into a bestseller by accident It?s the result of multitudes walking into bookstores and logging onto websites with your author?s title in mind
The Pros and Cons of Vaccinating Your Dog
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That's become the burning
question of many dog owners in this day and age. I'm not a
veterinarian, just a regular pet owner like yourself, but
would like to impart the information I've found regarding
regular vaccinations for animals.
Dog Information - Good Food For Your Dog
There are many different recommendations on what diet is best for dogs. Some people argue that commercial dog foods contain additives or poor-quality meat or ingredients that dogs should not ingest or that certain commercial foods are not nutritionally sufficient for their dogs. Good dog information plays a vital role here.
Puppy Socialization Classes Desensitize Dogs To The Veterinary Clinic: Veterinarians Now Offering New Puppy Owners Puppy Socialization Classes In Thei
E-Training for Dogs, Inc. has just released a "train the trainer" course designed to provide step by step instruction and education in creating, marketing and implementing puppy socialization classes within a veterinary clinic. The course, Vet Clinic Puppy Manners and Socialization Certification focuses on training canine behaviorists, trainers, veterinary assistants, technicians and veterinarians interested in developing and assisting veterinary clinic clients in early puppy education, deal...
Linda?s Dog Training Review Blog Launches
Linda Richardson today launched a new blog on Dog Training. The number of pet owners ? particularly dog owners ? increases daily. People are searching for ways to train their dogs for lower cost for a training system that actually works.
Interesting Old Dog Tricks: For Dog Owners Looking For Fun & Laughter
The teaching and training of dog tricks while not a necessary part of a dog's education, is an achievement that offer dog owners and his friends a great deal of amusement and adds materially to the value of a dog.Training your dog tricks can be difficult and frustrating if you cannot achieve the results you want.
Practical Advice for Adopting a Dog
If you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, consider adopting your new best friend from an animal shelter or humane society. You'll not only get a good feeling from helping a homeless pet, you'll get an outstanding companion.
The Truth About Dog Crate Training
A lot of individuals believe that it is cruel to have your dog on a dog crate training These are negative things such as zoos and cages
Got An Active Dog? Start Him On Agility Training
If you have a very active dog, you know first hand just how stressful it can be sometimes to have him in and around the house with his boundless energy Your dog may have had obedience training, but he may need further training, such as agility training, which is actually perfect for active dogs
Are You Ready To Eat Dog Food? A Family Day of Fun in Pasadena
Wake up Pet and Plant lovers in Pasadena, My Pet Garden has come to town and you can experience it in one very special grand opening day. At My Pet Garden we are Crazy About Pets and Plants. Want to eat some dog food? Meet Paul Owen's the Original Dog Whisperer, Celebrity Pet Psychic, Dog Trainers, Bring the kids to Paint a Flower Pot or Paint a Pet Bowl.
Now You Can Rid Yourself of Your Dog Allergy!
Do you love dogs, but are sadly allergic to them? Thats really unfortunate, but it is a reality you have to accept. If you insist on keeping a dog in your home despite your allergy, you must learn how to be resourceful and courageous about your particular affliction. You must be willing to do research as to the possibilities of dog ownership, symptoms prevention, as well as allergy elimination. Your resolve to be a pet owner despite your dog allergy is enough to bring you half-way to success.