AFTER the wet and grey June we just had this burst of heat and sun is a blessing that everyone can appreciate - even my dogs!
They are lounging in the direct sun, even sleeping with the 30 degree rays beating down on them. Zumi, with her solid black thick German Shepherd coat, seems unfazed by the intensity of the sun.
I don't encourage them to lie in the shade, they can monitor themselves when it comes to this lazy sunbathing behaviour. Even dogs need vitamin D but I will not encourage any form of physical activity when the heat of the sun is as intense as it is.
Most seasoned dog owners know that it is not wise to exercise your dog during the hot weather, especially between the peak hours of noon to 4 p.m. Even taking them for a leisurely walk around the block can leave a dog panting and dragging his or her paws.
The air is hot, the pavement is hot and dogs are covered in fur. It is sort of like you or me running barefoot over hot coals while covered in fleece from head to toe.
As humans we can perspire in hot weather over every square inch of our skin. This layer of sweat helps to cool us off when exposed to the air.
Dogs don't have this luxury. They only perspire through their feet; not a big surface area. Their main form of cooling off involves panting. As they bring air into their lungs it helps to cool off internal organs. This is all fine and dandy when the temperatures are cool or even if the breeze itself is cool and moist, but in hot temperatures it is like trying to cool off while sitting in an oven. As a result of this poor cooling system dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke very quickly.
Do not exercise your dog during the hottest part of the day. That is just asking for a trip to the veterinarian to save your dog's life.
Provide your dog with lots of cool water when at home. Small ice cubes melt quickly so try freezing a large Tupperware container of water then placing the block of ice (sans Tupperware) in your dogs bowl to thaw, providing a few hours worth of cold water.
An oscillating fan increases air circulation which can help to keep a dog cool as the air that is moved by the fan tends to have a lower temperature.
If crating your dog is part of its training or boundary protocol, consider investing in an ex-pen for hot days, which is a collapsible containment system that looks like a fence.
This allows for far better airflow around your dog than the enclosed crate, yet still keeps your dog confined and your training intact.
Keeping your dog's sleeping area cool can be done by placing reusable icegel-packs under your dog's bedding.
If you are walking your dog in the hot weather, remember that the pavement is hot. Dogs can get heat blisters on the pads of their feet from walking on hot sidewalks. So walk on the cool grass if you can. I recently saw an English Pointer wearing booties while out for a walk.
At first it looked a bit odd, but in the big picture it was practical for walking on hot pavement.
Carry water with you for yourself and for your dog. There are a plethora of practical portable water dishes and carrying containers for dogs now available.
If you see your dog overheating, such as panting heavily with a thick red tongue, eyes glossy and squinting and a slowed pace, take a break. Find some shade asap and allow your dog time to cool off. Hosing down an overheated dog is fine but a dog suffering from heat stroke may go into shock if it is hosed down with cold water.
The internet provides some really great web sites on the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in dogs. Take the time to educate yourself on the difference, it could mean the difference in the life . . . or death, of your dog.
