Take precautions to protect pet from heat

Q How can I keep my dog safe in this heat?

A: I write about this topic often because overheated dogs are rushed into the veterinary hospital when temperatures reach into the 90s and 100s.

Some of these dogs don't make, it and most of these heat strokes were preventable. Dogs are susceptible to heat stroke because they don't sweat like we do. They can sweat a little through their paws, but this is extremely inefficient. The only effective way that dogs cool off is by panting and exchanging hot air for cooler air as they inhale. The tongue also provides some refrigeration effect. If a dog needs to cool off significantly, they have to get into water to wet their bodies.

Overheating in a dog can lead to heat stroke and even death within 20 minutes. A dog or cat is left in a closed car for "just a minute," and then the owner is distracted and returns to their car to find their pet collapsed, salivating, panting uncontrollably or losing consciousness.

During the day, temperatures in a closed car can increase 40 degrees above the outside air temperature in a few minutes. Even if it is a comfortable 60 degrees outside, a closed-car interior can reach 100 degrees on a sunny day.

Some dogs are more susceptible than others to overheating. Be particularly aware of heat with dogs that get agitated or excited easily, older dogs or dogs that have short noses such as bulldogs and pugs. Dogs not acclimated to the heat and humidity of Charleston should be gradually allowed to spend more time outside.

We commonly see cases of overheating from the beaches. Dogs are excited to get to the beach and tend to run, tongues hanging, until they tucker out and come lie on your beach towel. Instead of cooling off as they rest, they get hotter and hotter. Even a wet dog that has plenty of drinking water still can have trouble because the sun heats up their bodies quickly.

New leash laws on beaches take this into consideration, as some towns have banned dogs from the beaches between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the summer.

If you plan to take your dog to the beach, go very early or late in the afternoon. Take lots of water for them to drink, and don't forget a bowl. Dogs cannot drink from bottles or water poured into your hand. When dogs are thirsty, they often will try to drink the salt water, which will cause vomiting and diarrhea that may need to be treated by your veterinarian. Keep your dog wet and provide shade.

If you run with your dog, you may be able to run six miles, but your dog should give up after three. Loyal dogs will continue to run alongside even if they are way too hot, so don't push it. Reduce your exercise plans; run in early mornings or late evenings to keep your dog safe. Take water for you and your dog and find a shady stop in the middle of your run.

If heat stroke is suspected, it is best to get to a veterinarian immediately. If the rectal temperature is more than 106 degrees, treatment is required immediately. A body temperature of more than 107 degrees is a critical emergency because living cells begin to die and release poisons.

On the way to the veterinarian, run the AC full blast. Wet the dog with cool (not cold) water. If you soak him in icy water, you could cause shock. Encourage water drinking (cool, not icy). Just let him pant in an air-conditioned environment.

Intravenous fluids are the most efficient way to cool down a pet. Once the body temperature cools to 104 degrees, all cooling attempts should cease because a weakened pet can drop below the normal temperature of 100 degrees.

Prevention is the best treatment. Be smart this summer and protect your pet.

Dr. Katherine A. Saenger owns Bees Ferry Veterinary Hospital and Boarding Kennel. Send questions to her at vetsaenger@bellsouth.net, or visit www.beesferry.com.