Safety Measures for Canines During Summer Heatwave
**Protecting Your Dog From Heat-Related Issues During Summer**
As the summer heat sets in, it's essential to be aware of the potential dangers that can affect our canine companions. Here's a guide on how to identify, handle, and prevent heat-related issues in dogs.
**Identifying Heat-Related Issues**
Early signs of heat exhaustion in dogs include excessive panting and drooling, rapid breathing, bright red gums, weakness, and lethargy. If left untreated, these symptoms can progress to severe heatstroke, which may present as vomiting, diarrhoea, staggering, collapse, seizures, purple or very bright red gums, and seizures or unconsciousness. These signs can develop rapidly and require immediate attention.
**Handling Heat-Related Issues**
If you suspect your dog is overheating, move them to a cooler environment immediately, such as shade, air-conditioned rooms, or cool indoor areas. Offer cool (not cold) water in small amounts frequently to hydrate the dog without shock. Begin gradual cooling by wetting the dog's paws, belly, ears, armpits, and neck with cool water, using cool, damp towels on the body, especially in areas with less fur, and using a fan to assist evaporation cooling. Avoid ice or very cold water and cold baths, as these can cause shock or constrict blood vessels. Seek veterinary care promptly, even if your dog appears to improve, as internal organ damage may be occurring. During transport to the vet, keep your dog cool using wet towels and moderate air conditioning, avoiding blasting cold air directly.
**Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses**
To prevent heat-related illnesses, avoid exercise or walks during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Never leave your dog in a parked car, even briefly. Provide constant access to fresh, cool water and shaded areas. Use cooling gear such as cooling vests, mats, or fans for vulnerable dogs. Monitor high-risk dogs closely, including flat-faced breeds, seniors, puppies, overweight dogs, and those with thick/dark coats or breathing/heart issues. On walks, bring portable water and offer it frequently, even if your dog does not seem thirsty. Avoid hot surfaces like asphalt that can burn paws and raise body temperature.
**Recognising Dehydration**
Signs of dehydration in dogs include dry gums, sunken eyes, loss of skin elasticity, lethargy, and in some cases, refusal to drink. If dehydration or heat symptoms worsen, seek veterinary help immediately.
By recognising early symptoms, acting quickly to cool your dog, and taking proactive preventive measures, you can protect your dog from the dangers of heat-related illness during the summer months and ensure their safety and comfort.
**Other Summer Hazards**
Summer is also prime time for external and internal parasites that can seriously impact a dog's health, such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. To protect dogs from parasites, keep them on year-round parasite prevention, including flea/tick treatments and heartworm medication, as recommended by a veterinarian. Other summer hazards include bee or wasp stings, heat-retaining surfaces like asphalt, toxic plants like mushrooms, lilies, or sago palms, and stagnant water containing blue-green algae or bacteria.
**Staying Safe in the Summer**
By being mindful of these potential dangers and taking the necessary precautions, you can help ensure a fun and safe summer for you and your dog.
Science and lifestyle adjustments can greatly improve the health-and-wellness of pets during the summer. For instance, understanding the importance of nutrition in hydration for dogs can aid in preventing dehydration caused by heat-related issues. Additionally, fitness-and-exercise routines should be planned around the cooler parts of the day to minimize the risk of heatstroke. Lastly, getting veterinary advice on appropriate parasite prevention and avoiding toxic plants can help keep your pet safe from summer hazards.
