"Hot Dogs"- Summer Safety Tips

As we hit the heat waves of the summer, we need to be reminded of the "hot dog syndrome" and other health issues related to the weather. 

Most dogs do not tolerate heat very well. They have limited sweating ability and, at times, heavy coats. Nordic breeds, brachicephalic ("flat face") breeds, obese and senior dogs are at higher risk. 

On hot days, keep them cool. Provide your dog with a cool indoor area and well-ventilated, shaded area outdoors. Make sure they have free access to fresh water and do not leave them outside unsupervised for long periods of time. Avoid leaving dogs in parked cars as the temperatures rise quickly to dangerous levels, transforming your car into a "death trap". Excessive exercise may also lead to overheating, so limit activities to the cool evening or morning hours. 

Overheating can aggravate existing health conditions such as heart and kidney disease. Dogs with upper respiratory problems, such as collapsed trachea and laryngeal disease, should be monitored closely. Short exposure to heat may result in a life-threatening emergency. Puppies and old dogs often develop diseases due to heat stress affecting their bodies. All dogs, even the healthiest, may become victims of heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke include marked panting and breathing effort, rapid heart beat, unresponsiveness, anxious expression and behavior, dry, warm nose, mouth and body, vomiting and collapse. If your dog shows these signs on a hot day, quickly rinse or immerse him/her with cold water and rush to the nearest veterinarian. 

Dogs can get sunburned. Pads will get burns from hot ground surface such as asphalt and hot sand. Nose and ear tips, especially those of white or light colored dogs, are prone to burns and may develop skin cancer in the long run.

Many household and other substances we tend to use in the summer such as cleaners, paints, oils and gasoline are toxic if ingested. Fertilizers and insecticides also cause toxicities. In addition, plants and insects are common summer hazards. 

Back-yard pools can become water traps for pets. Drowning is not uncommon. Use all precautions around pools and avoid free access or unsupervised swimming. 

Have a safe summer!