Nothing says summer better than sunshine, parks, BBQs, and pools. Of course, with rising temps and adventurous activities, comes concern for keeping your family and pets safe. Let’s talk about some of the illnesses that can result from high summer temps.
Heat stress/heatstroke is the number one ailment we see as far as summer activities are concerned, especially in subtropical areas. But, it can happen in any climate where summer temps climb. When that occurs, the dog’s body temperature increases beyond its normal homeostasis. If it’s elevated for a prolonged time frame, it can lead to several stress related or emergency conditions such as hyperventilation, shock, or even death.
Aside from potential heatstroke, other common occurrences from heat and outdoor exposure is dehydration and being more susceptible to parasites, fleas, and allergies. Heartworm disease is an infection that you don’t visibly see from the outside, but the risk of being infected increases due to thriving mosquito populations. As a preventative, there are topical and oral products that can be purchased that repel mosquitos, fleas, and ticks. (Reference our online pharmacy.) While it’s not as common as it is in people, sunburn can happen, especially in light-pigmented, white-haired, or hairless dogs. So, you may also consider using sunblock, and it’s generally available at pet supply stores or your vet.
Make sure your pet is in optimal health before extended leisure time outdoors. A vet will be able to detect any underlying diseases, such as heart murmurs, pneumonia, heartworm disease, or anemia. All of these conditions could lead to abnormalities in their normal exchange of carbon-dioxide and oxygen, which could make your pet more at risk for illnesses during hot summer months. If you have a brachycephalic breed such as a French Bull Dog, Old English bulldog, Pug, or Shih Tzu there are conditions that could cause respiratory issues because they don’t exchange oxygen as well as other breeds. So, checkups are extremely important!
I recommend owners pay close attention to their pets. Dogs can get warm, but they don’t have sweat glands. So, they pant to get rid of excess heat. Excessive panting, or panting more than normal, is generally the first sign a dog may be too hot. If you have a dog who doesn’t generally pant, but they begin to do so…it’s a warning sign. If they do pant regularly and they’re panting hard…that’s also a warning sign. When you can touch and feel their warmth, that’s a sign they are hot, since they don’t sweat. Removing some of the hair that would retain heat could help. But, if you notice any of these signs— to help your dog, it’s very simple— change their environment. Let them in the house to get cool air. And, remember, whether human or canine, water does a body good!
Next time, I’ll cover summer exercise safety. We must ensure that time spent outside is happy, safe and illnesses-free.