Dog Daze of Summer

Sadly, we recently had a very tragic but potentially avoidable case here at Harmony Animal Hospital. We want to share this information in order to prevent future heartbreaking incidents.

One of our patients, a young dog, was outside playing with her owner under the intense south Florida sun. When they came back inside the dog began acting lethargic and disoriented. They rushed her to us but the heartbreaking conclusion to this story is that she died on the drive over.

Many pet owners are familiar with the dangers of heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia. The combination of high temperature, high humidity and poor ventilation can be fatal to dogs and cats. But the speed in which it can occur is often underestimated. It can happen quickly outside in an otherwise normal, healthy pet even when you are feeling hot and sticky but otherwise fine.

Our pets don’t sweat like we do so don’t base your dog’s ability to deal with the heat on your own comfort level. The evaporation of sweat from our skin helps to keep us cool. Dogs exchange heat by panting and sweating through the pads of their feet; not as efficient as our full-body sweating! If the air temperature and humidity are high and air circulation is reduced, these protective mechanisms are inadequate. If a dog (or cat) cannot effectively expel heat, the internal body temperature begins to rise. Once the dog's temperature reaches 106°, damage to the body's cellular system and organs may become irreversible. Animals not treated promptly may die or brain damage may result.

A fun-loving dog may keep on playing even after the point when she should have been stopped so it’s up to you to use good judgment. One way to help your dog avoid hyperthermia is to regularly cool her down with water, offer cool drinking water often, and let her rest in the shade. Encourage her to step into a kid’s pool that is filled with cool water, or use a hose to wet down her belly and feet.

Dogs with short "pushed-in" noses, such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese and Boxers, are especially susceptible to heat stroke since their restricted breathing doesn't allow enough air exchange for rapid heat loss.

Pets should never be left alone in a closed car, especially during the hot summer months. Even if the window is left open a small amount, within minutes the temperature inside the car can reach over 120 degrees. The pet's body temperature can easily go up to 106-107 degrees under these conditions.

If you are jogging with your dog during the hot summer months you should also proceed with caution. Just as you undergo a training program and work gradually up to speed, so should your dog. Start slowly for a few minutes each day and gradually work up. Continual exercise in the sun without access to water can easily cause heat exhaustion in your pet.

Overweight or geriatric pets are especially prone to heat exhaustion or exercise intolerance. These pets should be checked over thoroughly by a veterinarian before starting a demanding exercise program such as jogging. Strenuous exercise can be deadly to a pet with a serious underlying health problem such as heart disease, which in its early stages is often symptom-free.

If you must leave your pet outside during hot, humid weather, be sure to provide adequate ventilation, protection from the sun, and cool fresh water. Limit your pet's exercise during the hottest parts of the day.

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• A dazed or frantic appearance
• Rapid breathing
• Weakness
• Thick, ropey saliva
• Bright red mucous membranes.

Quick treatment to lower the body temperature is indicated which includes immersing the entire body in cool, not cold, water, or even a cool water enema in a life-threatening situation. Any pet with heat stroke or heat exhaustion should be rushed to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Going to the beach with your dog can also be a great experience. Bring along fresh water and offer it often. Don't let your pet drink too much salt water; this can cause vomiting and diarrhea which may lead to dehydration. Limit the amount of time during the hottest parts of the day (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), or provide periods of time in the shade. Also, be a good neighbor: pick up all "little presents" your dog leaves. Along Jupiter Beach there are usually doggie bag stations to grab a bag to pick up the waste. And don't forget that light pigmented dogs can sunburn too!

Resist the temptation to shave your pet's coat to the skin during the summer. Your pet's fur acts as protection against the summer sun. Brush your pet regularly to remove any dense undercoat.

Be aware of the hazards of electric fans. Your curious cat may get his tail caught in the blades, or your bird may accidentally fly into your ceiling fan.

Summer can be a fun time with your pet as long as some simple precautions are taken.

For a video on Summer Hazards For Pets and other educational videos, visit our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/harmonyanimalhosp

You can also visit us on Facebook (and "Like" us!) at http://www.facebook.com/HarmonyAnimalHospital