K-STATE VETERINARIAN OFFERS TIPS ON HELPING YOUR DOG BEAT THE HEAT

K-STATE VETERINARIAN OFFERS TIPS ON HELPING YOUR DOG BEAT THE HEAT

MANHATTAN -- People usually prepare themselves for the dangers of increased temperatures. But as the dog days of summer approach, canine companions also need special attention to insure that they don't get burned. Dr. Kathy Gaughan, a veterinarian at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, says that the next few months bring an increased danger of heat exhaustion and heat stroke for dogs.

People naturally regulate their body temperature by sweating. According to Gaughan, dogs mainly cool themselves by panting -- breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. This directs air over the mucous membranes of the tongue, throat and trachea (windpipe) to facilitate cooling by evaporation of fluid on these membranes. Other mechanisms that help to dissipate heat include dilation of the blood vessels in the skin of the face, ears and feet.

However, just like people, dogs can become overheated. Gaughan says that a dog's normal body temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If it rises to 105 or 106 degrees, the dog is at risk for developing heat exhaustion. If the body temperature rises to 107 degrees, Gaughan says that the dog has entered the dangerous zone of heat stroke. "With heat stroke, the damage that can be done is irreversible. Organs start to shut down, and a veterinarian should be called immediately," Gaughan said.

Fortunately, if owners recognize heat exhaustion, they can prevent the dog from entering heat stroke. Gaughan says that people can easily recognize when the heat gets to them because they become lightheaded and fail to sweat. For dogs, the signs of heat exhaustion may include failure to salivate and a dry mouth. Gaughan explains that heat exhaustion may also include a dog lying down and looking tired, losing its appetite, and becoming unresponsive to owners.

If heat exhaustion progresses into heat stroke, Gaughan says that the dog will be hot to touch and may have seizures. Many dogs also have internal blood clotting that causes damage to their organs. "If you think it's heat stroke, call your veterinarian if you're close to a phone. If not, get the dog out of the sun and cool the dog down with cool water baths. It's important to use cool water as opposed to ice water. Provide a fan, especially if you wet the dog down, and encourage it to drink water," Gaughan suggests.

While these steps may help dogs already under heat stress, Gaughan says that the best treatment is prevention. In order to prevent overheating, some owners may opt to shave their dogs. However, Gaughan explains that this isn't always the best option. "Not all dogs have to be shaved because the hair coat can also keep the dog cool by trapping cool air next to the animals skin and reducing the amount of heat transferred from the environment," Gaughan said.

Dogs with long or thick coats that have problems with matted hair are often good candidates for clipping. "Owners that do not have time to adequately remove mats and debris from their dog's coat may prefer to clip the coat short. Matted hair can cause skin irritation and is undesirable," Gaughan said.

For owners who haven't shaved a dog before, Gaughan recommends taking it to a groomer and learning by observation. If the dog is outdoors often, owners need to be careful of sunburn. Gaughan says that sunscreen may be applied, but to consult with a veterinarian before doing so.

Here are some other tips to keep your dog cool this summer:

Keep dogs indoors, in air conditioning, if at all possible on very hot days.
Do not leave dogs in a car during the summer. Even with the windows down, temperatures inside a car can quickly rise to above 120 degrees.
Make sure outdoor dogs have plenty of shade to relax in. Keep fresh water available for dogs at all times.
Exercise dogs early in the morning or late in the evening, or indoors in an air conditioned environment if possible.
If your dog enjoys water, provide a sprinkler or wading pool on very warm days. Spray water on the dog and place it in a breeze or beside a fan. However, if heat exhaustion or heat stroke has set in, take more aggressive measures to cool the dog.
If you take the dog to a lake, make sure it is allowed time to drink plenty of water and get wet. Gaughan says that most dogs can drink lake water without adverse effects. If the dog has a light coat or exposed skin, be careful of sunburn.
According to Gaughan, dogs can acclimate to warm climate and have no trouble staying outdoors in the heat. However, dogs that are used to cool climate or air conditioning should not be placed outside on warm days. Gradual acclimation is the key.

For more information, contact Gaughan at 785-532-5690.

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