Phew!!
Disclaimer. The author accepts no responsibility for the information supplied and anyone in any doubt should consult a veterinary surgeon.
Well, let’s be honest, we were warned about this a long time ago. In fact, the experts and the scientific community was been banging on about it for decades. It will come, therefore, as no surprise to you that as far back as 1820, one Joseph Ferrier spoke about this issue, that was over 200 years ago!! It’s not like we haven’t had enough warning. Unfortunately, some of the world’s leaders have consistently ignored the science, and some of them have even disputed the evidence. Social media is full of total garbage from ignorant individuals who choose to peddle conspiracy theories, and sadly this is read and believed by people who should know better.
So let’s cut out the nonsense and get straight down to it; whatever name you want to put on it, global warming, climate change, rising temperatures, unreasonable weather or the greenhouse effect, ignoring it or denying it won’t make it go away. It is happening!! Whoever is at fault, arguing won’t make the issue disappear. Even if we choose to ignore the scientific evidence, it’s still occurring, and we need to adapt. What’s more, it’s only going to get worse and not only do we suffer so do our pets and animals in general. The best scientific prediction is that temperatures will continue to rise in the years to come, along with flooding and other natural disasters.
Living with dogs in hot temperatures
When it comes to our dogs, there are a number of do’s and do not’s, some are obvious, and some are not. None of the following is in order of importance except the first one.
The first is painfully obvious, but it happens every year in summer in countries across the world. Leaving a dog in the car. This one makes me furious. There can be no excuse.
This next one, sadly, is not quite so well known. It is a scientific fact that the colour white reflects heat, and black appears to absorb heat. It’s the same for our pets, a dark-coloured or black dog will suffer far more than a white dog. I am aware of the research taking place regarding the wearing of dark clothing by nomadic Arab tribes, but it has no relevance to our pets as clothing cannot be compared to a dog’s fur coat.
It can help if dogs with heavy coats are trimmed, although shaving the dog bald can expose it to sunburn and heatstroke.
In Greece, where I live, I still see dogs out for walks wearing a coat. Some are obviously fashion statements by ignorant, stupid individuals. However, I am pleased to see that some are reflective jackets and cooling vests. Properly used, these can be so beneficial. These are available over the Internet.
On the subject of walks, they should be only done very early or late at night.
Plenty of H20
Very elderly dogs are especially at risk, just as elderly humans, and in both cases, drinking water will hydrate. While we are on the subject, fellas, drinking beer does NOT hydrate. On the contrary, it actually heads straight for your bladder, whereupon you urinate it out thus, you actually dehydrate. Essentially you are “paying to pee.” Distressing as it is, lads, the best way is to drink water!!
Again on the subject of water, it’s very easy to miss that the water bowl is getting lower by the minute. Not just because the dogs drink more but also from evaporation, particularly regarding outdoor water bowls.
There is now available what is now known as a Popup Shade. These are portable, lightweight, collapsible shelters that offer protection from the sun. They are available over the Internet and come in various sizes. Got to be honest here, never used one so I am not able to offer a comment, but they certainly appear to do no harm.
Sunscreen for pets can be desirable, particularly for ears, but using anything designed for humans is considered to be generally unsuitable for animals and can do more harm than good. If you are unable to access pet sunscreen, however, some veterinary surgeons suggest that a product designed for babies and very small children can be used. It is important to choose one that is fragrance-free and never use a product that contains Zinc Oxide. If applying sunscreen to a pet, please wait until the product is dry before leaving it alone. As we all know, the little devils will lick it off, given half a chance, and if you have more than one, they will have a great time with mutual grooming.
Paws can be badly damaged by walking on very hot surfaces, particularly softening tarmac. The resultant damage is not only very painful but can result in permanent disability.
Dogs with “flat faces,” i.e. Boxers, Pugs, Pekinese, Bulldogs etc, are more susceptible to breathing problems at the best of times, but in high temperatures, they can easily succumb to heatstroke.
Again let’s talk temperatures and what is safe to be walking our dogs in. This will vary depending on age, health, breed, and what any dog is used to, but a rough guide is that as soon as temperatures reach 70f. (21c ) then we need to seriously take note. I know what you are thinking those temperatures appear to be a little low, but even those for a short-nosed or elderly dog can be fatal.
Another risk, often ignored, is a dog’s weight. Overweight and, in particular obese canines or much more at risk than pets that are within their weight guidelines.
Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs
So finally, having made every effort to protect our beloved pet from heat exhaustion/heatstroke, what are the symptoms?
- Heavy panting
- High temperature
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Vomiting and Diarrhoea (can be bloody)
- Dribbling
- Collapse
- Fitting
Hopefully, every dog owner has a thermometer and knows that the normal body temperature of the canine is approximately……..
101.5f (38.6)
Please remember to use a lubricant, i.e. Vaseline or KY, and in the absence of anything commercial, use spit!!
It should be noted that a temperature of below 104 f (40 c) the condition is generally considered to be heat exhaustion, but when it reaches 104 f (40 c), it becomes heatstroke.
Action to take
If anyone suspects that their dog is suffering from either condition, then a telephone call to the nearest veterinary surgeon is essential for the correct advice in the event of a vet not being available.
Move the dog into the shade, preferably indoors on a cool surface. Active air conditioning or a fan if available.
Put wet towels between the back legs, under the “armpits”, and on the neck.
Some advice suggests placing and rotating wet towels over the dog’s body, but the danger is that leaving them on can generate heat, particularly if they dry out. They must be constantly changed. An alternative is to keep “wetting” the dog down.
Only use tap water or water at room temperature.
DO NOT use cold blocks or ice or attempt to lower the dog’s temperature too fast without explicit instructions from a vet. It can send the dog into shock and can be fatal.
If and only if the dog is conscious and receptive, keep offering it small quantities of water. DO NOT force the dog to drink. The water may enter the lungs.
And finally…
This is one of those articles that we all hope we will never need, but if we do, then at least we have some idea of what to do but, just as important, what not to do.
“A man’s soul can be judged by the way he treats his dog.”
Charles Doran