July is Heatstroke Awareness Month

     Dogs do not tolerate high temperatures as well as humans.  They depend on panting to exchange cool air from warm air.  Thus, when the air temperature is close to the dog’s body temperature, panting is not an efficient way to keep cool.  The dog becomes overheated and suffers heat stroke.  In hot weather, being confined in a concrete run or tied in the sun can overheat a dog.  Leaving a dog in the car is especially dangerous.  The temperature inside a closed car can soar to well over a hundred degrees in just a few minutes. Heat stroke begins with noisy, rapid breathing.  The tongue and mucous membranes are bright red, saliva is thick, and the dog usually vomits.  His temperature rises, often to over 106 degrees.  The dog staggers, develops bloody diarrhea, and goes into a coma.  Death follows.   Immediate cooling is the only treatment.

     Lower the body temperature as quickly as possible by spraying, sponging or dunking your pet in cold water, or by using ice packs.  Then get in touch with your veterinarian for advice.  Complete veterinary services can be found at Animal Medical Center of Warrenton.

Hint: Prevention is simple. Do not let the dog become overheated.

Summer Pet Tips: Hot Asphalt and your dog

Asphalt temperature and the outdoor temperature are two very different things.  When the outside temperature is 77 degrees the asphalt in the sun is 125 degrees.  You can fry an egg at 131 degrees just imagine how your dog feels as you drag him along to the farmers market , car shows or outdoor festivals being held on asphalt.

Place the back of your hand against the pavement and hold it there for 11 seconds…if it’s uncomfortable for you to leave your skin there, then you shouldn’t make your dog do it.  You can also try walking barefoot