|
Tammy asks the following question:
Now that it has gotten quite hot, I can tell my 3 year old dog is affected by the heat. I provide plenty of water and good ventilation, and clipped his fur, but I can tell he is still hot. He lies on the cold bathroom tile and pants easily. Are there health related risks to watch out for in the summer heat?
I'd rather not have the expense of running the air conditioner all day when I'm at work, but if it really makes a difference I'd consider it.
Thank you!
Dear Tammy:
This is an excellent question for the beginning of
summer--thanks for bringing up the subject of heat
stress. You have already done the important things for
summer comfort, including clipping him so that his
coat does not keep his body heat trapped inside. If he
has fresh water and a cool bathroom floor to lie on,
he will be fine as long as your home does not go above
80 degrees Fahrenheit--he might feel too warm at this
temperature, but it will not be life-threatening. It
would be better if the temperature does not exceed the
mid-70's. RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO USE AIR
CONDITIONING! There are enough contributions to global
warming without adding another energy drain. If you
doubt your dog's ability to stay comfortable "as is",
you can purchase a fan and place it so that he cannot
get hurt by it (by its falling on him or by his
getting fur stuck in the blades), and also so that he
can choose to be in its path or out of the windstream.
Panting in this situation is natural and does not mean
that he is suffering with the heat.
When you are outside with him, remember that
walking in the heat of the day on hot paved surfaces
can be uncomfortable. Every summer, I see some very
ignorant humans stressing their dogs by running with
them in the heat of the day: if owners wish to jog
with their dogs, do it very early or late when the air
and surface temperatures have cooled. Ideally, you
should have water available (pet stores now carry
collapsible fabric bowls for this purpose).
And of course, never leave dogs in a car in warm
weather. They can become overheated very quickly and
it can be fatal. If you don't mind taking your pet's
rectal temperature, it will tell you whether he is in
danger from overheating. It should not be higher than
102.5 in the average situation, and above 106 degrees
Fahrenheit, it quickly becomes life-threatening by
causing kidney and brain damage.
|
