While summer is winding down, there is still a risk of heat related illness for our dogs. In some parts of Canada late summer can be very warm.
Heat related illnesses are a progression from mild symptoms to life threatening multi-organ failure.
Heat cramps
o muscle cramps due to loss of sodium and water
Heat exhaustion
o fatigue, lethargy, weakness, muscle tremors, vomiting, diarrhea
o body temperature 103-105o F
Heat stroke
o symptoms of heat exhaustion PLUS
o neurologic symptoms: confusion, seizures, abnormal gait, incoordination, tremors, coma
o bloody vomiting or diarrhea, blood in urine
o major organ damage, body temperature >106o F (41o C).
Multiorgan failure and impending death occurs with temperatures of 107-109o F.
Common symptoms seen in dogs as they progress from mild to severe heat related illness include heavy panting, excessive drooling, very red-purple gums and tongue, dry, sticky gums or saliva, tachycardia (rapid heart rate).
Risk factors for heat related illness in dogs include:
· Heart disease
· Obesity
· Tracheal collapse / laryngeal paralysis
· Brachycephalic breeds
· Thick and / or dark coats
Triggers for heat related illness include:
· Leaving a dog in a parked vehicle is one of the most common causes of heat stroke. Temperature inside a parked car can rise very quickly
· Leaving dogs outside without access to shade and plenty of fresh water
· Vigorous (or even moderate) exercise on hot days
Preventing Heat Related Illness
Plan ahead! This is especially important if you are travelling or away from home. Have everything you need to monitor for, prevent, and treat heat related illness. Things to have in your kit include: rectal thermometer, plenty of water both for drinking and to apply to the dog if they become overheated, towels, cool coats, sun reflective screens / shade blankets and other sunshades.
Plan exercise for cooler times of day. Take walks early and late in the day rather than when temperatures are high Avoid vigorous exercise when it is hot. Avoid ball / disc games, flirt pole activities etc. Dogs that love these activities can be so motivated to play that they continue well past the point of safety.
Leave your dog at home. Unless it is imperative that your dog come with you, he is likely to be happier at home. If the house is not air conditioned, get him used to spending time in cooler parts of the house such as basements. If you cannot leave your dog home alone safely, options include doggie day care, pet sitters, friends to check in on your dog, remote monitoring. Ensure you leave plenty of fresh water available to your dog any time you leave them alone.
RVing. If you leave your dog in an RV, fans and AC can help keep the unit cool, but can fail, resulting in rapid rise in temperatures inside the unit on hot days. Breakers can trip, batteries can run down, plugs can become dislodged. Remote temperature monitoring devices with alarms can be helpful as long as you are close enough to respond promptly if necessary. Having a back-up plan with someone to look in on your dog and physically check their well-being is you must leave them unsupervised in the unit.
Always provide plenty of fresh water. Ideally use a water bowl that cannot be tipped over or spilled and large enough to ensure a thirsty dog will have more than enough for your expected absence and to cover unexpected delays.
Do not shave your double coated dog! Double coats (like Cairn Terriers) have important insulating properties. Shaving the coat actually increases the risk of overheating due to loss of the insulating action of the undercoat.
Cool coats are special coats that can be saturated with water to provide cooling action as the water evaporates. The best cooling action is likely when the vest covers the belly where there is less coat and heat transfer happens more efficiently. Cool coats that only cover the back and sides will not provide as much cooling. You can place a cool coat in the bottom of a crate, or even a damp towel. Be sure to re-wet the coat thoroughly before it fully dries for optimum benefit.
Doggie pools are a good way to beat the heat. Encourage your pup to stand in a pool with the water up to his flanks. Hose play or splash pads can be ok for some dogs – but if your dog likes to bite at / chase the water, be aware that they can ingest sufficient water to develop acute gastric distension or water intoxication.
Crates, Beds and Bedding:
Remove bedding from crates
Use a cooling bed (gel or water filled) – these cool beds will typically provide several hours of cooling but will eventually equilibrate with the dog’s temperature and will need a cool down period to be effective.
If you don’t have a fancy cooling bed, place wet towels on the bottom of the crate.
Elevated dog beds with breathable fabric allow air circulation under the bed and helps keep you dog cooler. These are great options for outside.
If you must leave your dog in a crate in hot weather, a wire crate will provide better airflow than a plastic or metal crate. Crate fans are a helpful tool to keep a crated dog cool.