Gifts, Supplies & Information
Does your dog prefer the toilet to its water dish? Although it may disgust us, there is a good reason for the behavior. Think about it this way. You have two choices… Option 1, you can have your choice of a dingy, little bowl of luke warm water that has been sitting for days or option 2, you can drink fresh, cool water from a nice porcelain dish and feel like a god… Yep, I also chose 2.
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Dog heat stroke can happen very quickly on these hot summer days. With summer upon us, we need to remember that just like us, our dogs can become overheated if out in the sun too long. This fact was brought to my attention just this morning when our Border Collie Pepper was helping us trail a herd of cattle home. We got a late start, the sun was already getting hot, and we were not yet close to home. The cows were resistant and even with the help of us on our horses, Pepper had her work cut out for her. Pepper was more than glad to have a ride back to the ranch, where she immediately lay down in a tub of cool water.
Dogs sometimes do not know enough to get out of the heat so it is important that we provide them with a shaded place to be when they are left outside. It is also important to keep fresh cool water available for them to drink; leaving a dish of water where the sun can reach it is not a good option. If you need to take your dog with you and it is hot out, be sure to take some extra drinking water along for them. If your dog, like Pepper, gets too hot, be sure and take them in out of the sun and give them a bath in cool water. If they still seem unfit, take them to see your veterinarian right away. The best cure for dog heat stroke is prevention.
Did you know that there are actually dog water fountains so you don’t have to worry about whether or not your dog spilled his water bucket? What a perfect way to keep your dog hydrated! It makes perfect sense to procure a way for your dog to always have a fresh drink of water, especially on these hot summer days. I know I prefer cool water on a hot day, and I am sure my dogs do, too. There are actually several types of fountains available for our dogs. The Lixit Dog Faucet Waterer is really handy when you attach it directly to your outdoor water spigot. Like the name says, all your dog has to do it lick it to get fresh clean water. You won’t have to worry about filling a bowl or bucket again!
The PetMate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain provides your pet with clean fresh water as they need it, so they will never have to drink warm, stale water ever again. If you don’t have the convenience of a hose or your dog is an inside dog, there is the Drinkwell Big-Dog Water Fountain. With a waterfall-like stream the water is constantly circulated, which keeps the water cool and fresh. The extra large charcoal filter eliminates smells and bad tastes. The tank holds more than two gallons, and since it is always circulating, the water maintains its freshness. So why not buy a dog water fountain and keep your dog hydrated! For these and other options go to www.luvurdog.com.
Can dog cooling bandanas really help your pooch keep his cool? Well, maybe not keep him from getting upset, but they can definitely help keep him from overheating. We know that when we get to warm it helps to put something cool on our skin to bring our temperature down.
Our dogs can be cooled off the same way with stylish dog cooling bandanas. These cool sporty bandanas come in a variety of colors and patterns and are made to be used over and over again. No matter the size of your dog, there is a bandana made just for them. The Kyjen Cool It Bandana will keep your dog cool and comfortable for several hours. To use these bandanas, you simply soak them in cool water for up to 30 minutes. The non-toxic crystals inside the bandana will swell as the water is absorbed. To keep the bandana cool longer, you can refrigerate it after you have soaked it.
If your dog really tends to overheat in the summer, you can also purchase a total body cooler. The Ruff Wear Swamp Cooler is wonderful for dogs that like to be active even in the heat. This unique cooler fits like a doggy vest and keeps your dog cool by replacing the heat from your dog’s body with the cooler temperature of the stored water. The important thing is to keep your dog cool on these hot summer days and a dog cooling bandana may be just the thing!
We humans can cool off during the “dog days” of summer with a visit to the swimming pool, the local creek, or a quick dip in the ocean. But our canine companions may not have the same luxury, so how can we help them keep cool?
Every summer, veterinarians, especially in the southern states, see this same scene many times. Snickers, a Cairn Terrier, was playing in the backyard. Now he is listless, panting hard and having a difficult time breathing. Frantically, Snickers’ owner rushed him to the veterinary clinic.
Once there, the veterinary technician took Snickers’ temperature and discovered it to be soaring over 106 degrees! Snickers was suffering from heat stroke. Luckily for Snickers, and with the help of the veterinary team and the actions of a quick acting owner, Snickers recovered fully from his near death experience.
Why did Snickers get so hot so quick? Dogs do not sweat like people do. Their only cooling mechanism is by panting. The moisture from their tongue evaporates and this helps lower their temperature. Anything that disrupts this natural cooling system, such as intense heat, exercise, or squirrel chasing, can lead to very high temperatures and heat stroke. Many dogs are left alone at home during the day, and may find themselves without shade or cool water to drink. Even just a few minutes in a car can find the inside temperature soaring over 120 degrees and can again lead to heat stroke in the dog.
Normally, a dog’s temperature ranges from 100 to 102.5 degrees. In cases of heat stroke, temperatures over 106 degrees are considered to be an emergency situation – temperatures over 110 degrees can be fatal in a matter of minutes.
This level of hyperthermia (higher than normal body temperature) can affect every major body system, including the kidney and heart, therefore it is imperative you get your pet to a veterinarian as soon as you safely can.
Dogs who develop heat stroke may show the following symptoms:
• Vigorous or excessive panting
• Inability to stand, or weakness while standing
• Thick, ropey saliva, copiously frothing from the mouth
• Bright red mucous membranes (gums), although some dogs may show pale or even muddy gums.
Heat stroke can affect any dog, but the brachy-cephalic dogs with short faces, such as Boston, Pugs, and Bulldogs may be at higher risk due their inability to effectively pant and cool themselves. Older dogs sometimes have more trouble with temperature regulation as well as young puppies.
Many people believe that their pet will be fine outdoors. However, inadequate shade and/or water can affect even the most seasoned outdoor dog. Water left outside in the sun can heat up to hot for them to drink. Outdoor water fountains for dogs can help provide fresh cool water and dog houses can help with the shade.
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If you like to take your dog for a walk, but the concrete is too hot, or he is a small dog and walks just plain tire him out, you may try one of the dog strollers.
Surprisingly, heat stroke in cats is very rare. Most animal experts believe that cats are extremely good at finding the coolest spots to lay and also avoid the excessive, exertions that many dogs seem to thrive on.
If you find your dog panting excessively on a warm summer day, immediately move your dog into a cooler place. Getting the pet into a shady area with a fan running on him or just bring him indoors. Rinse your dog with cool, not cold, tap water over his legs and body to help effectively lower the body temperature. Rubbing alcohol placed on the skin of the stomach, will help cool him also. Do not use ice or extremely cold water. Although it seems logical, extreme cold will cause surface blood vessels to contract, forming an insulating area that traps heat in the body, delaying the cooling of the vital organs. At the veterinary hospital, fluids are administered intravenously to help cool the core temperature and keep the kidneys from shutting down.
Outward Hound Cool-it Bandana – LARGE
Attempting to force your pet to drink is also not recommended. If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke, immediately load your pet carefully into a car and go to the veterinarian. Under no circumstances should you leave your pet alone in the vehicle.
Without these life saving steps, many dogs might lose their lives to the “dog-days” of summer. But, as Snickers will testify, quick thinking owners and veterinary professionals can help get them back on their feet in no time.
Tough on the outside, soft on the inside, this sporty blue coat has a cordura shell that repels rain even as its contrasting orange fleece lining keeps bodies warm as toast. Nylon Velcro straps fasten under belly and around the neck. Signature George stick embroidery on the end of the coat above tail. Wash by hand in cool water, air dry. Features: -Rain-proof cordura shell. -Contrasting fleece lining. -Secured with nylon velcro straps under belly and neck. -Signature George stick logo on top near tail. -Hand washable. -Available in sizes 8″ through 30″.
Almost the color of a fawn, this cool car coat is accented with rich red corduroy and has an accessory pocket so you can stow away treats or small dog-walking essentials. Hand wash in cool water, air dry. Features: -Made with ultrasuede fabric. -Red corduroy trim and collar. -Accessory pocket near tail end. -Hand washable. -Available in sizes 8″ through 30″.
Summer is upon us and I have already had my first case of heat stroke. Rusty was left in his owner’s car by accident this morning. Dogs cannot sweat like people do. They can only regulate their body heat by panting. The temperature of a car can quickly reach 10 to 20 degrees hotter than the outside air temperature. This results in hyperthermia or heat stroke. Rusty was rushed to the clinic and his internal temperature was 107 degrees. Death and internal organ failure is imminent when the internal temperature reaches 109 degrees. We acted quickly with cool water baths and ice packs. An intravenous catheter was started to flush more fluids into Rusty. Rusty is feeling much better right now, but we will not know for a while if he has any permanent damage to his kidneys, or other organs.
Here are some other warm weather tips you must follow to get your dog through summer safely:
Stay alert for signs of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, staggering or even seizures. The can even feel hot to the touch. The brachycephalic breeds (flat noses like Shi Tzus, Lhasa Apso, Pugs, Boxers, Boston Terriers and Bulldogs) are at a much greater risk for heat stroke. Also overweight dogs, or a dog with a thick or matted coat or more prone to developing hyperthermia.
If you suspect your dog has hyperthermia or heat stroke, contact your veterinarian immediately. Safe reduction of your pet’s temperature with cool water and ice packs will help to reduce his temperature. IV fluids are given to help with kidney function and to help with cooling of internal organs. Damage to the heart, kidney and other organs may not show up for weeks. Keep your pet safe this summer.
Debra Garrison, DVM
