It is way too hot! There is even more dangerous heat forecasted for the near future. As a result our Marion County Fair 4-H Dog Show has been relocated from the County Fairgrounds to the State Fairgrounds. This allows the shows to be held inside of an air-conditioned building.
Look at this crazy forecast:
This is dangerous weather for people to be out in the SHADE. Let alone dogs with fur and their children running around. I believe that the Marion County Extension Office made a wise move in this instance for the sake of health and safety. I also applaud the cooperation of the Indiana State Fairgrounds Management for making the option available to us.
So the question I have for you, dear reader, is: Do YOU know what to do if your dog gets overheated?!
What does that even LOOK like?
Dogs can get overheated very quickly. Because they do not sweat like humans, dogs don't tolerate high environmental temperatures as well as we do. We humans, have the large surface area of our skin to help cool us as sweat glands produce moisture which uses evaporation as a cooling mechanism. However, dogs as dependent on vigorous panting to exchange the hot air for cooler. This is even more difficult for brachycephalic (broad/ wide-headed breeds like pug, bulldog or pekingese). Likewise, the process of panting is insufficient when the ambient air temperature is not much cooler than their overheated bodies. There simply isn't cool enough air with which to exchange.
A normal temperature for dogs is between 100.5ºF – 102.5º. A rectal temperature of 104 ºF needs to be brought down!!
So HOW do you COOL your CANINE??
First, and most important; remove them from the source of heating.
Ideally, you'd cool the air. Try air-conditioning, wetting them and supervision near electrical fans that move air. Controlling the temperature of the air in your environment is not often an option on an outing in the summer. So, you could seek out shade. It's always cooler in the shade. Additionally, brick and stone from buildings and sidewalks and such radiate heat, so you can distance yourself from them by seeking out a grassy spot in the shade.
Cool their feet. Aside from panting, the pads of their feet also can help to cool them off. So it is a good idea to have a tub of cool water for them to step into. It should NOT be ICE water. Just like a person jumping into ice water, that would add extra shock. It's not that there can't be ice IN the water to cool it down, just not to a severe temperature change that would be shocking. Running garden hoses of cold water.
Another thing I like to do, is to freeze one of my reused water bottles full of water. Some dogs actually like to lay their necks across these when it is extremely hot. Neck, armpits, and groin are all places on humans and dogs that have major blood supplies running through them. So placement of colder items in these places can act as cooling devices as well. Remember, don't place ICE cold directly on... wrap with a cloth or something to not freeze burn skin or cause what could be akin to "brain freeze".
Whatever you do, make sure that you bring that temperature down AND encourage them to drink water so that they do not dehydrate. If your dog starts acting "funny" (not himself) contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Best advice of all --- Prevent overheating in the first place.
1) On hot days, limit your outdoor activity with your dog to early morning and evening times when the air temperatures are cooler.
2) ALWAYS carry water. A water bottle for you AND your pet is essential on walks. I've always trained our dogs to drink from my cupped hand. But one could also carry a collapsible water bowl for your furry friend.
3) Be a student of your dog's behavior. The more he pants, the hotter he is, and the more likely he is to become dehydrated.
4) Keep play times to a minimum. Just like people, in times of extreme heat, we may be having "fun" but we must make ourselves stop sooner and take a break or we WILL overdue it.
Many people use the phrase "A dog is man's best friend". However, in these extremely hot temperatures, it is important and maybe even life-saving for us to be our dog's best friend as well.
*I am NOT a veterinarian, nor do I play one on T.V. These statements are made as personal opinion based on life experiences and knowledge obtained which are being shared as general advice to be considered by the individuals who read it. If you have any questions about your dogs health, you should seek out the professional opinion of a licensed veterinarian."
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