While the weather is nice it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with your furry companion. People tend to forget to treat their dog like an animal and overlook some important factors regarding the care for their animal in the summer months. For example, dogs with fair pigment can easily become sunburn many veterinarians will recommend some type of sun block for such dogs. Also take into consideration the heat from the pavement if you see your dog raising their paws consistently off the ground, he/she is trying to give you a hint. Ensure that the outside areas that your dogs spends the most time at is equipped with lots of shade, also do not restrict water during summer months. One way to check to see if your dog is dehydrated is to lift up the skin/coat between the shoulder blades the skin should fall back to normal position almost instantly. If you go on like hikes or walks be sure to have enough water for you and your dog. However, if your dog gets rigorous exercise avoid giving a lot of water immediately, wait until the dog cools off before giving lots of water this will prevent possible bloat.

The following information about heat stroke is provided to us courtesy of Lindsay Pierce a Certified Veterinary Technician at Garden Valley Veterinary Clinic in Windsor. Heat stroke can be brought on by activity as well as confinement outside in the heat, and the effects can be devastating. Be aware of the signs of heat stroke listed below:

• Excessive panting
• Labored breathing that may signal upper airway obstruction
• Bright red mucous membranes in the gums or eyes and/or bright red tongue
• Lethargy and weakness
• High body temperature
• Collapsing and seizures, even coma

If you notice any of these signs, get your pet inside and submerge him/her in cool or lukewarm water. Do not use ice, which can damage skin and/or cool the dog too quickly resulting in skin and/or organ damage. If heat stroke is suspected, call a veterinarian immediately. More drastic and effective steps can be taken there. A normal dog temperature should be between 99.5-102.5 degrees F. Provide drinking water, but do not for the dog to drink. You can apply rubbing alcohol on the skin and pads of the paws. It evaporates quickly and acts as a cooling agent. FYI, dogs cool themselves by panting; this draws air over the moist membranes of the nose and tongue and cools by evaporation. But panting works only for short periods. Prolonged panting endangers the metabolic system. In addition, high humidity interferes with the ability of panting to cool the body.

I conduct business at Garden Valley Veterinary Clinic on Mondays. Feel free to stop by for a tour or tell Lindsay you read this article she may be willing to answer other vet related questions regarding heat stoke.