Precautions For Fluffy Against Heat Distress
Guest Correspondence
SRQ DAILY FRIDAY WEEKEND EDITION
FRIDAY JUL 11, 2014 |
BY GREGG FLOWERS
Hypothermia is a condition wherein there is a dangerous increase [or decrease] in body core temperature. When a dog becomes hypothermic from the heat, heat exhaustion or a heat stroke can result. Heatstroke is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Once the signs of a heatstroke are detected, there is precious little time before serious damage or death can occur. So first of all, we have to be careful when exercising our pet in the summer. Adjust the intensity and the duration of his walk according to the temp. On really hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours, and be especially careful with dogs that have white colored ears, as they are more susceptible to skin cancer. Asphalt can get pretty hot and can burn Fluffy's paws, so walk her on the grass if possible. Carrying water on your walk is a good idea too. Then if she needs some water, you can let her drink from a foldable, canvas water dish purchased at the pet store, or she could just drink from your cupped hand.
Lastly, never leave your dog in a parked car. Not even for a minute. On a merely "warm" day, temperatures inside a car can quickly spike to lethal levels. On an 85 degree day for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temp will reach 120. - And if you see a dog left in someone else's parked car in the heat, notify the police right away. You might save somebody's life. - These are all precautions to help you avoid a heat related incident with your dog. Next time we'll talk about what to do if he is already in heat distress.
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