Dead in Minutes: Dogs and Heatstroke

Even very fit, athletic dogs can suffer heat-related illnesses during the sizzling days of summer.

Dogs with compromised health are at even greater risk.

Common sense strategies to protect your pup during a heat wave:

• Keep him inside during the hottest part of the day
• Scale back vigorous outdoor exercise
• Never leave your dog in a parked car on a hot day, not even for a minute

If you see an animal left in someone else's parked car in the heat, notify a store employee right away.

If the pet's owner isn't located immediately, call animal control or the police. A dog can suffer permanent damage or death in a very short time when left in a parked vehicle on a hot day.

Dr. Becker's Comments:

The heat-related death of a beloved pet is a tragic, completely preventable situation.

There are no statistics on how many dogs die every year from heat exposure, because the majority of cases go unreported. But estimates are several hundred pets suffer this slow, agonizing and unnecessary fate every summer.

The loss of a dearly loved pet is difficult enough when death is expected and the passing is painless. But losing a canine member of the family to an avoidable case of heatstroke is an event many pet owners never forgive themselves for.
Leaving a pet unattended in a vehicle in extreme heat or cold is currently a criminal offense in 14 states and several municipalities. Most of the statutes have rescue provisions which allow certain individuals – for example police officers, firefighters, animal control officers, store employees -- to do whatever is necessary to rescue an animal trapped in a vehicle in extreme temperatures.
No matter where you live, if you see a pet confined in an unattended vehicle in extreme weather, I recommend you call law enforcement. Even if you don't live in one of the 14 states on the list, there could be other laws in your city and state that address this type of animal cruelty.

Signs and Symptoms of Heatstroke

On an 85-degree day it takes only 10 minutes for the interior of your parked car to climb to 102 degrees. In a half hour, it can reach 120 degrees.
Leaving windows partially open doesn't help to cool things down inside the vehicle.
To make matters worse, dogs have a higher body temp than people and they don't cool down as efficiently as we do. Your canine buddy is designed more for insulation from the cold than for cooling down.
You have sweat glands all over your body, but your dog's are confined to her nose and the pads of her feet. A dog that is heating up can only normalize her body temperature through panting, which just doesn't get the job done under extreme conditions.
In a very short period of time, an overheated dog can suffer critical damage to her brain, heart, liver and nervous system.
Symptoms of overheating include:

• Heavy panting
• Excessive thirst
• Glazed eyes
• Vomiting and bloody diarrhea
• Bright or dark red tongue, gums
• Staggering
• Elevated body temperature (104ºF and up)
• Weakness, collapse
• Increased pulse and heartbeat
• Seizures
• Excessive drooling
• Unconsciousness

If your dog's body temperature gets to 109ºF or higher, heatstroke is the result. The cells of the body rapidly start to die. The brain swells, causing seizures. Lack of blood supply to the GI tract creates ulcers. Dehydration leads to irreversible kidney damage. All these catastrophic events take place within a matter of minutes.
In the early stages of a heat-related illness it can be difficult to assess your dog's condition, since it's normal for him to pant when he's warm or while exerting himself.
I recommend you learn from your dog's vet how to take his temperature (rectally – I'm sorry), and invest in a digital thermometer that you designate for doggie use only. It could come in handy if you're ever concerned your dog is overheated and need to know his body temperature.
I can't stress enough how important it is for dog owners to take every precaution to keep their pets from getting overheated.
By the time a dog is exhibiting symptoms of heatstroke, it's often too late to save him.

Dogs at Higher Risk

If your dog is one of the following, you'll need to be extra vigilant about keeping her safe from heat-related illness:

1. Dogs with flat faces and short noses, also known as brachycephalic, like Pugs, Boston Terriers, Pekinese, Boxers, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus – these breeds don't pant as efficiently as breeds with longer noses
2. Older dogs
3. Puppies
4. Sick dogs and those with chronic health conditions like heart disease
5. Dogs not acclimated to warm weather
6. Any healthy dog left outside in hot weather
7. Dogs that are over-exercised or are allowed to overexert themselves in the heat

What to Do If Your Dog Gets Overheated

If you think your dog (or any dog) is suffering from heatstroke, you need to take immediate action:

• Move him immediately to a cool area – either into the shade or preferably into air conditioning.
• Assess his condition – is he able to stand? Is he conscious and panting? If so, offer him small amounts of water to drink and take his temperature if possible.
• If he's at 104ºF or lower, remain with him in a cool environment, watch him carefully and keep offering small drinks of water. A large volume of water all at once might cause him to vomit, which will add to the risk of dehydration.
• When he seems more comfortable, call your veterinarian for next steps. The doctor may want to evaluate your dog even if he seems fully recovered.
• If your pet is unable to stand on her own, is unresponsive to your voice, touch or the sight of you, or is having seizures, check for breathing and a heartbeat.
• At the same time, have someone contact a veterinary hospital (or make the call yourself if you're alone with your pet) to let them know you'll be bringing her in right away. It's important to alert the clinic you're on the way so they can prepare for your arrival.
• Begin cooling procedures by soaking her body with cool water – cool, but not cold. Use a hose, wet towels or any other source of cool water that is handy. Take her temperature if possible.
• Concentrate the cooling water on her head, neck and in the areas underneath her front and back legs. Carefully cool her tongue if possible, but don't let water run into her throat as it could get into her lungs. Never put water in a dog's mouth that can't swallow on its own. Put a fan on her if possible – it will speed up the cooling process.
• After a few minutes, re-check her temperature. If her temp is at or below 104 degrees, stop the cooling process. Further cooling could lead to blood clotting or a too-low body temperature. Get her to a veterinary clinic right away, even if she seems to be recovering.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe from the Heat All Summer Long

Dogs can dehydrate very quickly, so make sure yours has plenty of fresh, clean water available at all times. If he'll be outside on warm days for any length of time, he should have access to complete shade.
Give your dog a shorter summer 'do. A long-coated dog can be shaved to a one-inch length to help him weather the hot temperatures. Don't go any shorter than an inch, though, because his fur protects him from the sun. If you don't want to cut your dog's coat, regular brushing, bathing and grooming will help prevent problems caused by excessive heat.
Exercise your pup early in the morning or after the sun goes down, during the coolest parts of the day. Stay in the shade if possible, and if it's 90 degrees or hotter, your dog should be kept indoors.
Play in the sprinkler with your dog or hose him down with cool water if he must stay outside and can't avoid temperatures over 90 degrees.
Don't overdo exercise or play sessions, regardless of the time of day. Over exertion in hot weather -- even after dark -- can bring on heat-related health problems.
Don't allow your dog on the hot pavement – it can burn his paws and the heat rising from the concrete or asphalt can quickly overheat your low-to-the-ground pet.
And, of course, never leave your dog alone in a parked car on a warm day. Leave him where he's cool, hydrated, and eagerly awaiting your return.


Originally published by Healthy Pets.

Summer Pet Care

When the lazy days of barbecues and swimming pools roll around, you can make them even better by sharing them with your favorite pet. By following a few summer pet safety tips, you can keep your animal friends healthy and enjoy the months of sun and fun.

·         Never leave your pet in the car. Though it may seem cool outside, the sun can raise the temperature inside your car to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes, even with the windows rolled down. If you need to run some errands, leave the furry ones at home.

·         As you’re outside enjoying the warm weather, keep your pet leashed. It will keep her from getting lost, fighting other animals, and eating and drinking things that could make her sick. This tip isn’t just for dogs--even cats can learn to walk on a leash if you train them. (See How can I teach my cat to walk on a leash?)

·         Water, water everywhere. Whether you’re indoors or out, both you and your pet need access to lots of fresh water during the summer, so check her water bowl several times a day to be sure it’s full. If you and your furry friend venture forth for the afternoon, bring plenty of water for both of you.

·         Pets need sunscreen too. Though all that fur helps protect her, your pet can get sunburned, particularly if she has light skin and hair. Sunburn in animals can cause problems similar to those it can cause in people, including pain, peeling, and skin cancer. So keep your pet out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and when you do go out, rub a bit of sunblock on unprotected areas like the tips of her ears, the skin around her lips, and the tip of her nose.

·         Say no to tangles. Keeping your pet well groomed will help her hair do what it was designed to do: protect her from the sun and insulate her from the heat. If she has extremely thick hair or a lot of mats and tangles, her fur may trap too much heat, so you may want to clip her. (See Should I shave my thick-furred dog in the summer?)

·         Watch out for antifreeze. Hot weather may tempt your pet to drink from puddles in the street, which can contain antifreeze and other chemicals. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that animals like, but it’s extremely toxic. When you’re walking your pet, make sure she doesn’t sneak a drink from the street.

·         Be cautious on humid days. Humidity interferes with animals’ ability to rid themselves of excess body heat. When we overheat we sweat, and when the sweat dries it takes excess heat with it. Our four-legged friends only perspire around their paws, which is not enough to cool the body. To rid themselves of excess heat, animals pant. Air moves through the nasal passages, which picks up excess heat from the body. As it is expelled through the mouth, the extra heat leaves along with it. Although this is a very efficient way to control body heat, it is severely limited in areas of high humidity or when the animal is in close quarters.

·         Make sure your pet doesn’t overexert herself. Though exercise is an important part of keeping your dog or cat at a healthy weight, which helps her body stay cool, overdoing it can cause her to overheat. Keep the walks to a gentle pace and make sure she has plenty of water. If she’s panting a lot or seems exhausted, it’s time to stop.

·         Take it easy on pets that can’t deal with the heat. Elderly, very young, and ill animals have a hard time regulating their body temperature, so make sure they stay cool and out of the sun on steamy summer days. Dogs with snub noses, such as Pekingese, pugs, and bulldogs, have a hard time staying cool because they can’t pant efficiently, so they also need to stay out of the heat. Overweight dogs are also more prone to overheating, because their extra layers of fat act as insulation, which traps heat in their bodies and restricts their breathing capabilities.

·         Bring them inside. Animals shouldn’t be left outside unsupervised on long, hot days, even in the shade. Shade can move throughout the afternoon, and pets can become ill quickly if they overheat, so keep them inside as much as possible. If you must leave your pet in the backyard, keep a close eye on her and bring her in when you can.

·         Keep an eye out for heatstroke. Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke (see "Signs of Heatstroke,"below), you must act quickly and calmly. Have someone call a veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, lower the animal’s body temperature by applying towels soaked in cool water to the hairless areas of the body. Often the pet will respond after only a few minutes of cooling, only to falter again with his temperature soaring back up or falling to well below what is normal. With this in mind, remember that it is imperative to get the animal to a veterinarian immediately. Once your pet is in the veterinarian’s care, treatment may include further cooling techniques, intravenous fluid therapy to counter shock, or medication to prevent or reverse brain damage.

Even with emergency treatment, heatstroke can be fatal. The best cure is prevention, and Fido and Fluffy are relying on you to keep them out of harm’s way. Summer does not have to be fraught with peril--with ample precaution, both you and your furry friends can enjoy those long, hot dog-days of summer.

Signs of Heatstroke:

• Panting
• Staring
• Anxious expression
• Refusal to obey commands
• Warm, dry skin
• High fever
• Rapid heartbeat
• Vomiting
• Collapse

Article originally published by AAHA Healthy Pet.

Dog Bite Prevention

Dog Bite Emergencies If you are bitten by a dog, here is a checklist of things you should do: ·         If the dog's owner is present, request proof of rabies vaccination, and get the owner's name and contact information. ·         Clean bite wound with soap and water as soon as possible. ·         Consult your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if it's after office hours. ·         Contact the dog's veterinarian to check vaccination records. Did you know that ... ·         4.7 million people in this country are bitten by dogs every year ·         children are by far the most common victims ·         800,000 Americans receive medical attention for dog bites each year ·         children are far more likely to be severely injured; approximately 400,000 receive medical attention every year ·         most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs ·         senior citizens are the second most common dog bite victims There are a number of things that you can do to avoid dog bites, ranging from properly training and socializing your pet to educating your children on how, or if, they should approach a dog. Information is one of the best cures for this public health crisis. What's a dog owner to do? ·         Carefully select your pet. Puppies should not be obtained on impulse. ·         Make sure your pet is socialized as a young puppy so it feels at ease around people and other animals. ·         Don't put your dog in a position where it feels threatened or teased. ·         Train your dog. The basic commands "sit," "stay," "no," and "come" help dogs understand what is expected of them and can be incorporated into fun activities that build a bond of trust between pets and people. ·         Walk and execrcise your dog regularly to keep it healthy and provide mental stimulation. ·         Avoid highly excitable games like wrestling or tug-of-war. ·         Use a leash in public to ensure you are able to control your dog. ·         Keep your dog healthy. Have your dog vaccinated against rabies and preventable infectious diseases. Parasite control and other health care are important because how your dog feels affects how it behaves. ·         Neuter your pet. ·         If you have a fenced yard, make sure the gates are secure. How can you protect your family? ·         Be cautious around strange dogs, and treat your own pet with respect. Because children are the most common victims of dog bites, parents and caregivers should: ·         NEVER leave a baby or small child alone with a dog. ·         Be alert for potentially dangerous situations. ·         Teach their children – including toddlers – to be careful around pets. Children must learn not to approach strange dogs or try to pet dogs through fences. Teach children to ask permission from the dog's owner before petting the dog. Adapted from an article posted by the AVMA.