Following the tragic news about 2 police dogs who died due to being left in a car in the hot weather I thought it would be good to give some general information and advice in order to keep dogs safe, fit and healthy this summer…
How dogs cool themselves down
Dogs breathe in air through their nose which is then cooled in the nasal passage before it reaches the lungs. Short nosed/flat faced dogs (technically known as ‘Brachycephalic’ dogs), such as British Bulldogs, Boxers and Pugs are at more risk of overheating during the hot weather due to the length of their nasal passage and muzzle. When a dog’s body temperature rises they do not perspire through the skin like humans but pant in order to cool themselves down. Dogs do sweat through their paws but do not release enough perspiration there in order to be effective and panting is the main way they regulate their body temperature.
Dogs left in cars
Cars heat up like an oven, even on a cloudy day and many dogs suffer heatstroke or die in cars every year. Leaving water down in a vehicle or the window open is not going to stop your dog from overheating, please do not leave dogs in cars this summer.
Dogs and Heatstroke
Symptoms of a dog suffering from heatstroke include:
A raised body temperature, heavy and rapid panting, laboured breathing, weakness, wide eyes, red tongue, rapid pulse, disorientation, exhaustion, diarrhoea, vomiting and distress. If left untreated a dog can also collapse and go into a coma.
What you can do to help cool down a dog with heatstroke:
• Ensure the dog is in a cool or shaded area.
• Offer water but do not force the dog to drink.
• Dogs cool themselves from their paws upwards. Using a wet towel soak them in cool water (not freezing) or ideally stand them in a paddling pool or a shallow bath of cool water.
• Stay calm and be a reassuring presence to the dog – anxiety in you will create anxiety in them.
• If you have access to a phone, call a vet immediately for advice on what to do next.
Exercise – Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun – Noel Coward was right!
Avoid the hot times of the day to exercise your dog (usually between 10am – 4pm). Choose places that are naturally shaded (such as an old railway track with overgrown trees) and avoid pavements and open spaces if you do not have a garden and need to take your dog out to toilet during the day. When you go out always remember to take water for both your dog and you!
Dogs get sunburn too!
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from sunburn too, particularly in areas that have little hair such as the tips of the ears, bridge of the nose and around the tummy area. In the same way pale skinned people burn more easily the same is true for white dogs (such as white American Bulldogs and Bull Terriers) due to a lack of skin pigmentation.
You can buy sunblock cream especially made for dogs, ensure that the cream is fragrance free and non-toxic as many dogs will try and lick it off in areas they can reach!
I wish you a fun, happy and healthy summer with your dog.
