Mystic Dreams Labradors
Health Tips
Home
The Boys
The Girls
Future Hopefuls
Available Puppies
Upcoming Litters
Older Dogs Available
Our Pictures
Pups & Their Families #2
Pups & Their New Families
Past Litter Pictures
Health Tips
Retired
Memorial
Our Guarantee
Links

pawsline1.gif

Summer

Summer heat puts extra stress on our pet friends.
Because of this, it’s best to keep them inside where shade,
water and cool air (either from air conditioning or open windows)
can comfort them.
 
If your pet is outside all day, make sure he has a shady,
grassy area (pavement tends to heat up in warm weather).
Check at different times of the day to make sure the area is
constantly shaded.
 
You may need to provide extra water in summer. Try larger water
containers, or special devices that attach to an easy-to-reach
faucet for unlimited access.
 
Most veterinarians don’t recommend shaving dogs or cats, since the
hair helps them insulate against heat. Heavy-coated breeds of dogs
and cats are especially prone to heat illnesses, especially in hot,
humid climates. Many heavy-coated dogs appreciate a wading pool to
roll in on extra hot days.
 
Other animals with an increased risk of overheating include senior
pets, puppies and kittens, working pets and flat-faced breeds
(Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekes, Persians).
 
If your dog or cat is used to running errands with you in your car,
leave it at home during hot summer days. Even with the windows cracked,
your car can reach 130 degrees inside in less than 30 minutes. Don’t
risk giving your pet heat stroke!
 
Jogging or biking with your dog can be dangerous in hot weather. Just
as your body temperature rises during exercise, so does your pet’s.
But unlike you, dogs and cats can’t sweat. They must pant to rid their
bodies of excess heat—an ineffective means of cooling off if the air
outside is as warm or warmer than inside the body.
 
Treating Overheating

The best way to treat overheating is prevention. However, if you notice
that your pet has abnormally rapid breathing, tremors, muscle weakness,
vomiting or fainting, your pet may have heat exhaustion.
Wet your pet with cool—not cold—water placed in an area with a breeze
and take your pet to the veterinarian immediately.

WARM WEATHER CARE
 
As temperatures soar, dogs become more vulnerable to heat stress.
Maintaining a comfortable environment for your dog is important.
Providing plenty of cool, fresh water will help keep your dog cool
throughout the summer.
 
Heatstroke
 
Heatstroke develops rapidly and is often associated with exposure to
high temperatures, humidity and poor ventilation. Symptoms include
panting, a staring or anxious expression, failure to respond to
commands,warm, dry skin, extremely high temperature, dehydration,
rapid heartbeat and collapse. Puppies and geriatric dogs tend to be
more susceptible. Adult dogs more susceptible to heat stress include
those who recently moved from cool to warmer climates, those with
cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, or with a history of heat
stress. With any form of heat stress, prompt veterinary attention is
important to deal with potential complications.

Periods of Confinement
 
Confinement in a car or any other poorly ventilated enclosure can be
fatal to your dog. One study reports that when the outside temperature is 78ºF, a closed car will reach 90ºF in five minutes, and 110ºF in 25 minutes.
 
Exercise
 
Avoid excessive exercising of your dog during hot days or warm, humid
nights. The best time to exercise is either early in the morning before
sunrise or late in the evening after the sun goes down.
 
Sunburn
 
Dogs who have recently received short haircuts may become sunburn
victims and are as susceptible to heat stress as dogs who haven't had
their haircoat trimmed. In fact, your dog's haircoat has insulating
characteristics to help protect him from the heat.
 

mailpups.gif

Mystic Dreams Labradors
Crewe, Va
434-645-9475
 
 

Last updated on