More than a fun saying, the "Dog Days of Summer" are actually a thing and it refers to nothing less than the universe itself. Taking place, in late July, around the day when Sirius the dog appeared to rise just before the sun, the Greeks referred to these days as the hottest time of the year, a period that could bring fever, or even catastrophe. (My fellow star children can read a bit more here)
Scheduled to begin July 3rd to August 11th, the Dog Days of Summer seemed to have started sooner than usual this year, and we, humans, as well as our canine companions are having some trouble adjusting.
Signs of Heat Stroke
Signs can include, but are not limited to:
1. Excessive panting or difficulty breathing.
2.Rapid pulse.
3.Excessive drooling. Keep an eye out for lots of drool, or drool that is thicker and stickier than usual.
4. Fever. A body temperature above 103°F is considered abnormal. Temperatures are taken rectally. Please be sure you know what you are doing before attempting at home.
5. Bright red, gray, purple, or bluish gums. If your dog’s gums are a different color than normal, it could be a sign of dehydration, lack of oxygen and/or poor blood circulation.
6. Dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dry nose, visible tiredness, excessive panting, and sunken eyes.
7. Vomiting or diarrhea.
8. Muscle tremors / Seizures. If your dog is shivering or shaking regardless of outside temperature, it may be caused by heat exhaustion.
9. Lethargy / Weakness / Dizziness. Keep an eye for trouble walking in a straight line, keeps bumping into furniture, criss crossing of legs, or falling over.
10. Lack of urine. If your pet has trouble producing urine, they could be dehydrated or overheated.
ITS HAPPENING ! What do i do !?
Rule #1: DO NOT WAIT!
If you see any of the signs below, or sense something is off with your dog, DO NOT WAIT. Heat Stroke can come on with 15 minutes. We may see signs we think are normal, and they have the potential to turn abnormal very quickly.
Call your local Vet or ER Service. If you find your pet in real trouble, start heading to your closest ER ASAP. Call from the road to alert the staff of your ETA and singlement of your pet (Age, Sex, Breed). This will help them prepare and be in the best shape to receive you upon arrival. Linked here are the locations and contacts for 24 hour Emergency Veterinarians in Connecticut.
Cool them down, but not too quickly.
If you suspect your pet is experiencing heat stroke, you can start cooling them down at home or en route to your nearest ER. The key with cooling, is to not do it too quickly. Drastic change in body temperature can cause issues in of itself. Use cool water, but not iced water. Placing wet towels in their "armpit" regions and applying rubbing alcohol to the pads of the feet will also help. Find fans or AC to further help with cooling.
Until we channel our inner Florence and are signing "The song days are over", here are some tips to keep your buddy safe and cool during this record heat:
DO NOT KEEP DOGS IN YOUR CAR !!!!
This cannot be stressed enough. I feel like this should be a post all of its own because of important it is. Not for 5 minutes, not with the windows cracked open, not because "he wanted to go for a ride" nor for any excuse you may want to come up with. Heat in a car can reach extreme temperatures in a matter of minutes. We get hot, we get uncomfortable. The difference is that we have the cognitive ability to understand what is going on around us, and have the power to change the situation: a dog cannot. All they know is they continue to get hotter and are stuck. They panic, they pant and the exacerbate the situation.
Attached is the timeless video of a veterinarian putting himself in an uncomfortable situation for the sake of client education. (If you don't have the attention span in you today, skip to 3:00.)
If you need any other reasons other than you will be at the hands of death, you probably shouldn't have a dog, but according to CT law, you could be arrested for animal cruelty.
Many stores understand and will make exceptions on having pets brought in rather than being kept in the parking lot.
Discuss with your veterinarian before shaving any thick or double coated dogs.
We too often think of our dogs as little humans. We think "well if I wore a fur coat outside, I would be hot". However, in majority of cases, what I like to call, Owner Projection, is misleading. Believe it or not, the under layer coat helps with cooling as well as protection from sun's rays. We may think we are doing service by removing it, but we actually can be making them more susceptible to heat related sickness and even sunburn ! We love to love that adorable teddy bear look, but yes this includes Pomeranians!
Keep walks to a minimum and stick to early or late cooler walks.
Pretty self explanatory: early morning and evening walks encouraged. Keep an eye on your weather throughout the day to monitor when your local temp drops before rain, incoming overcast or after the sun goes down.
Keep an eye on those paw pads !
Although designed to insulate from heat and cold, they are not made to stand our man made asphalt and concrete. Make sure to keep an eye, or a foot, out for hot roads and sidewalks before walks. Unofficial rule: If you can't stand on the surface barefoot for more than 5 seconds without feeling uncomfortable, then your pet should be ok !
This includes the outside areas around pools, decks, patios, stone walkways, basketball and tennis courts.
Certain products, such as Mushers Secret, act as a “chap stick” like protectant from heat and can help minimize injuries from exposure.
Everything is heightened for our smush faces!
Pugs, Bulldogs, and any other brachycephalic breeds or mixes are especially susceptible to heat related issues, simply because of their build. Honestly, outside of bathroom breaks, just keep them inside. The risk isn't worth the attempts at exercise.
Increase availability to cold water, shade and fans.
During the summer months, your pet should always have abundant access to water, shade and fans / ac. Increase the amount of water bowls around your house so they do not have to walk as far to have access. If you have to leave them in a room or crate, make sure a fan or ac is on. Do not leave them in the sun or outside in general for prolonged periods of time.
Always discuss with your vet if you have any questions or concerned!
Have a safe and healthy summer!
This blog is not monitored by a veterinarian, but expresses the knowledge and opinions gained in over a decade in the field. All suggestions should be verified with ones own veterinarian and each pet should be considered individually. This blog is not run in connection with receiving commission of sales for any recommended products or services.
Comments