|
dean
vickers' do's and don'ts |
|
Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Hot Weather
|
back
to Dean Vickers' pet tips
If your dogs are like mine, they think there is
nothing better then a nice ride in the car on a hot
summer day, or a cool evening, or a…lets’ face it, some
dogs just love to go on car trips. It doesn’t matter
where to, they just want to be close to their family.
However, if the car trip is to run errands, even quick
stops, it is best to leave your dog safely at home where
it is cool rather than risk his life in a parked car.
When left in a parked car, even for short periods of
time, pets are susceptible to heat stroke, brain damage
and death.
If you are just looking to take your dog(s) out for a
joyride, that is one thing, but if you do need to run
errands that will mean your dog will remain in the
parked car, it is best to leave him or her at home. Here
are some of the reasons why:
Temperatures rise quickly in parked car
- Even days that seem mild to humans may be
extremely treacherous for our canine companions. On
a warm day, with the temperature at an acceptable 88
degrees, the temperature in a parked car can reach
103 degrees. As Ohio’s summer temperatures begin to
soar, when the outside temperature is 100 degrees,
the temperature inside the car, even with the
windows partially rolled down, can be as high as
120º, in a matter of minutes. Because dogs’ only
method for cooling off are panting and sweating
through their paws, they can succumb to high
temperatures in very short periods of time.
Cracking the window does not cool the car down
- In the vast majority of deaths, pet owners
probably believe they are taking the necessary
precautions, such as parking in a shady area,
cracking the window or leaving the car’s air
conditioning running. Unfortunately, these methods
have all proven ineffective in keeping temperatures
at safe levels.
- Every year, dogs suffer an agonizing death after
being left in hot cars. The most tragic aspect of
these deaths is that they are completely
preventable.
Jogging and outdoor exercise
- Many of us enjoy the companionship of our dogs
while we exercise, and in most cases, the reverse is
true as well. As the weather begins to warm, we are
able to adjust the clothing we wear. Dogs do not
have that luxury. They are, essentially, still
jogging in their winter coat (or a slightly lighter
version of it) and can only cool themselves by
panting and a small amount of sweating through their
foot pads. Humans, as we all know, sweat a great
deal more and are able to cool themselves at a
faster rate. Many dogs will continue running to stay
up with their owner, at whatever personal cost. It
is best to change your routine to early morning or
late evening to help prevent heat stroke.
Signs of a heat stroke
- On hot days, or after exercise, watch for
excessive panting, dark or bright red tongue and
gums, staggering, seizures, vomiting, bloody
diarrhea. Keep in mind also that dogs with heavier
coats, such as Chow Chows and Collies, as well as
darker fur colors are at a greater risk for heat
stroke.
- If you suspect heat stroke, seek veterinary
attention immediately. Use cool water, not ice
water, to cool down your dog. Ice water or extremely
cold water will cause constriction of the blood
vessels and impede the cooling down process.) Even
if you get your dog cooled down and he appears fine,
do not assume that he is out of danger. Get him to a
veterinarian, extreme temperature can affect
internal organs.
Have fun, stay cool and stay safe!
| written by Dean Vickers |
| Dean Vickers is the Ohio State Director
for The Humane Society of the United States.
He can be reached at
dvickers@hsus.org or by calling
614-607-7139. |
|
