Due to the recent heatwave, things are a bit quieter here at E&O Valeting, so I have been spending a bit more time doing fun things with Oreo, but due to the extremely hot temperatures, there's something I and other dog owners should be conscious of.
Recent news and social media reports regarding the heat have highlighted how to best care for your dog, but it doesn’t hurt to give a little reminder to think about burnt paws, heatstroke, and even water intoxication. There are so many dangers to be aware of, especially as scorching temperatures are becoming so common in the U.K. It is difficult to understand why some people are continuing to leave their dog in the car.
Some precautions you can take to help your dog stay comfortable in the heat are:
- Walk your dog early in the morning or at night. Think about how you would feel being asked to run in the midday sun while wearing a fur coat. Dogs can only sweat through their paws, finding it challenging to cool and regulate temperature by panting; a rise in body core temperature of just 2° can be deadly.
- Always test the pavement by putting your hand on the tarmac before walking your dog; if you are unable to touch the pavement for more than 5 seconds, it is far too hot for your dog’s poor feet.
- DO NOT leave your dog in the car! It is commonsense, but dogs continue to be left in cars, and they continue to die unnecessarily. A hot car is essentially an oven. You wouldn't dream of cooking your faithful friend in an oven, yet the temperature of a vehicle parked in 35°C can reach temperatures of 47°C or more within 30 minutes. Do not be fooled into the misconception that leaving a window open will be ok; many people think that leaving the window down a little will help cool the car interior, but this 'fact' is proven to be not the case and gives a false sense of security.
Think about using a cool coat or a cool mat. A quick search on Google will offer a myriad of suggestions; the choice is yours. As I'm in the U.K., my cool mats were purchased from B&M for £18, and I got the cool coats from a local pet store for £40. Oreo especially enjoys lying in front of a large fan so the cool air blows all over him.
A walk by the river or on the beach is fantastic for dogs that love to have a paddle or a swim; please check the water first. During the summer months the water can contain blue algae or E. coli; both are extremely toxic, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in extreme cases, organ failure.
As if these risks weren't enough to be wary of, water toxicity is caused by the dog ingesting too much water. Every time a dog retrieves a toy thrown into the water, mouthfuls of water will be taken with it; numerous throws and the intake will soon add up. Salty water from the sea or fresh water from the river can both cause different types of toxicity, so give your dog regular breaks from water play and check him over.
Signs of Heatstroke:
- Excessive or loud panting.
- Extreme thirst.
- Frequent vomiting.
- A bright red tongue and pale gums.
- The skin around the muzzle or neck does not snap back when pinched.
- Thick saliva.
- Increased heart rate.
In severe cases, there can also be difficulty breathing, collapse, loss of consciousness, seizures, coma, and death.
Treatment for a dog with heatstroke:
Cool your dog by soaking his body with cool, NOT cold water. Use a hose, wet towels, or any other source of cool available water. Take his temperature if possible. Concentrate on cooling his head, neck, and the areas underneath the front and back legs.
Seek advice from your vet.
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Signs of water toxicity:
- Staggering/loss of coordination
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils/glazed eyes
- Pale gums and excessive salivation.
In severe cases, there can also be difficulty breathing, collapse, loss of consciousness, seizures, coma, and death.
Treatment for a dog with water intoxication
Seek advice from your vet. Water intoxication requires the use of medication to help your dog eliminate excess water; due to the symptoms being common in other medical conditions, please inform your vet right away that your dog has been playing in the water.
Hopefully, this blog has helped raise awareness of helping dogs stay safe and remain comfortable during the summer months. If I have missed anything or if I have given the wrong information, please feel free to contact me, and I will add any corrections; it is important to me as a dog owner that I can help other canine mums and dads keep their companion safe and, above all, have fun in the sun.
One more thing, if I may: my post has been about how heat affects dogs; however, due to the extremely long hot spell, our wildlife is having a hard time finding fresh water. I mentioned the algae that is affecting ponds and streams. Please place a shallow dish of water in the garden; hedgehogs, birds, badgers, and foxes will thank you.
