With spring arriving, the temperatures in our area can sometimes vary tremendously from one day to the next. Please be aware of your own dogs needs and if the weather is unusually hot or humid pay extra attention when you are walking/running/or playing with your dog. REMEMBER, they do not sweat anywhere near as much as we do and so it is much more difficult for them to adapt to the temperature changes. Veterinarians attend to far more cases of heat stroke in the spring and fall than during the summer months. This is because their body hasn’t regulated to the elevated outdoor/indoor temperatures.

So when the first 70 degree day arrives and you feel like walking or running forever, please keep it short for them and carry plenty of water to either let them drink or pour around their neck/head or groin area if they overheat.

Puppies, senior dogs, and of course dogs with heavy coats are most prone to heat stroke or overheating.

Heat stoke can kill quickly and it occurs when a dog’s ability to regulate its’ body temperature is lost. There normal body temperature is less than 103 degrees and if the temperature exceeds 108 degrees cellular damage starts to occur in a number of organs.

Some of the most significant factors for heatstroke are listed below:

• heat
• humidity
• muscular activity
• high body mass
• anxiety
• poor ventilation
• dehydration
• obesity
• antihistamines
• phenothiazines (some medications for vomiting)
• brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed breeds)
• increased age
• puppies
• being left in a car or closed area for even short periods of time

Dogs experiencing heat stroke will have a muddy pink color of their gums instead of the nice red pink color. Their heart rate will be dramatically elevated, and they will be panting furiously. They tend to stand or walk very slowly without regard to where they are. Most dogs will have a wild or panicked expression and are not particularly aware of their environment.

If you think your dog is experiencing heat stroke, seek veterinary assistance immediately, however you can effectively initiate treatment in most cases while you are heading to the vet’s office. Submersion in cool water is best to get the body temperature lower, BUT extremely cool water needs to be avoided since it will constrict the blood vessels and not allow the proper heat exchange to occur. Wetting them down with a hose thoroughly is best and concentrating on the groin area is important, due to the large amount of superficial blood vessels in that area. While transporting the dog to the vet, make sure evaporation is taking place. This will occur by either having the air conditioner on in the car, the windows open, or use the back of a truck to increase air circulation. DO NOT put the animal in a crate as this will act as a steam bath and make the situation worse. Placing a towel on the dog will also prevent evaporation.

PLEASE REMEMBER: When you are feeling somewhat warm, they are most likely already very warm. Keep your dog off asphalt surfaces and in the shade/breeze as much as possible.

Have a safe and very happy spring from all of us at Happy Dog Healthy Dog !