www.mcmac.co.za
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At Mcmac, we can supply you with super tools to help keep your dog cool in the summer heat, such as the Rosewood Cooling Collar or the Rosewood Pet Cool Mat. We also have the Chillex Cooling Harness available. These are also great to have when you travel, as the heat in a car can really build up. Do have a look at our website and please contact us if you have any questions. www.mcmac.co.za
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Considerations to take into account in summer to avoid heatstroke
by Friends of the Dog
by Friends of the Dog
Especially after a long, cold winter, we all look forward to that glorious summer weather - swimming, lying by the pool, going to the beach, having a braai/barbeque in the warmth of the sun, lovely walks, working in the garden, games of ball and frisbee in the garden with our dogs, and so much more. However, what we have to bear in mind, is that the sun is not always kind to our dogs, and some dogs are affected by it more than other dogs.
With global warming, it does seem as if our summers are getting hotter and hotter, and although we can figure out for ourselves if we can cope with the heat (and added humidity at times), sometimes our dogs can’t tell, so we have to help to keep them safe.
Obviously, you have to ensure that any dog does not overheat and some points below to be aware of:
We will supply you with another article tomorrow on preventing and treating heatstroke, and in between, the early signs are:
With global warming, it does seem as if our summers are getting hotter and hotter, and although we can figure out for ourselves if we can cope with the heat (and added humidity at times), sometimes our dogs can’t tell, so we have to help to keep them safe.
Obviously, you have to ensure that any dog does not overheat and some points below to be aware of:
- Black dogs – just as black clothes and black cars tend to absorb more heat, the same occurs with dogs with very dark or black coats. A black dogs coat can get so hot that you can feel the hat if you touch the coat. If you have a dog that has patches of black and another colour on its coat, feel the heat of the various colours after your dog has been in the sun a while – you may be surprised at how hot the black areas become.
- Any of the Brachycephalic (Brachy) breeds are really at risk at heatstroke simply because their breathing is already restricted due to their flat faces and as it makes panting more difficult (one of the ways dogs cool themselves down). Worldwide there are a total of 24 dog breeds with the brachycephalic conformation, the most common being the Pug, Bulldog and French Bulldog, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Bull Mastiff, Peke and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. In research undertaken in the UK, they say that the brachy breeds had twice the odds of suffering heatstroke than a dog with an average muzzle, such as the Labrador. Also do bear in mind to be very careful of heat with any dog that has respiratory problems, regardless of the hat.
These dogs should be kept in the shade and at no time walk them when it is hot, they simply don’t cope – early morning, or even better, early evening is the best. - Our Golden Oldies – who so often love to lie in the sun to feel the warmth on old bones, often tend to lie in the sun too long simply because they may be sleeping so soundly and do not realize how hot they are actually getting. These Golden Oldies often battle to move as easily as well as may battle to move to a cooler area.
- Pups – a pup will reach its adult body temperature when they are 4 weeks of age, however, they will not be able to regulate their own body temperature until 7 weeks of age. As pups tend to just flop down wherever they are when they are tired – do ensure that you pick the pup up and pop in back inside. Be careful with leaving in a shady area, unless completely shaded. Under trees can be a problem as the sun can get through the leaves and also the sun moves.
- Dogs with double coated coats are also at risk of overheating and should also be walked early morning or evening. Double coated dogs shed their undercoats (which keeps them warm in winter) in the summer weather. It is a good idea to give your double coated dogs a daily brush which will help to get rid of the fluffy undercoat and which also allows air to circulate around the dog’s skin – the more you brush (and you will be surprised how much hair comes out!), the cooler your dog will feel.
We must just mention, that under no conditions do you ever shave a double coated dog, even though’ it may sound like the sensible thing to do! As mentioned above the topcoat allows the air to circulate and helps the dog to cool down, plus offers protection form the sun. Shaving will also leave the dog more prone to being sunburnt.
- Dogs that are large breeds and also those dogs that are overweight should be monitored carefully and over heating avoided. These dogs are more prone to heat related problems due to the increased insulation that the fat cells provide. As with the Brachy type breeds mentioned above, overweight dogs should be walked in the cool of the morning or early evening. If your dog is overweight, please do speak to your vet about going onto a vet monitored diet, including exercise. There are so many health problems that can develop due to an overweight dog.
- Large breeds and muscular breeds also show a predisposition to heatstroke.
- Any dogs that suffer from cardiovascular disease
- If your dog is one prescription medication, do check with vet if there could be an increase in heat problems.
- Light coloured the hairless breeds – these breeds are more prone to sunburn.
- Always have copious amounts of water available.
- If your dog is prone to sunburn (especially those with light coats, hairless breeds and those with pin noses), use a doggy sunscreen, or even an old T shirt
- Never leave your dog unattended in either a car or an area such as a glassed-in veranda.
- On hotter days, keep your dog inside, especially if over 30 degrees.
- Walk and play with your dog early morning or early evening.
- Consider the use of one of the Coolex Cooling harness or one of the doggy Cooling Pads.
- If walking on sand or a pavement, feel the heat of same yourself – you wear shoes, your dog does not!
- To help your dog cool down, place the paws in cool water, and dampen under the legs and on the belly – this will help your dog to cool down.
We will supply you with another article tomorrow on preventing and treating heatstroke, and in between, the early signs are:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Mild Weakness,
- Heart rate and respiratory rate increase
- Dog is disorientated and can even collapse.
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