Helpful Owner Info

IN SUMMER'S HEAT, PREVENT CANINE HEAT EXHAUSTION

MANHATTAN -- It's not just the canine athletes -- the Frisbee leapers, the runners and jumpers -- that are susceptible to heat exhaustion. Every dog is a potential victim of summer's heat. One of the most common causes of heat stroke is leaving an animal in a hot car. "Even on an 80 degree day, the temperature inside a car can get up to 130 degrees fairly quickly," said Dr. William Fortney, a veterinarian with Kansas State University's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. "Leaving a window cracked doesn't prevent heat build-up."

 Fortney says leaving a dog in a car on a warm day is risking the dog's life.

"Dogs don't sweat, and they don't have an efficient way to cool themselves down. If they are panting, it may be because they need the oxygen because they've been exercising, or it may mean they are trying to get rid of built-up heat in their bodies."

 Long coats also hold in body heat. Clipping the dog's coat a little shorter for summer will also help to keep the dog cooler, Fortney said. "Be sure not to shave the dog, though, because that could lead to sunburn, which would be very painful for the dog."

Black dogs absorb the sun's rays, so they get hot more quickly than lighter-colored dogs.

 Fortney says it is impossible to give specific recommendations on how long dogs can be out in the sun exercising. "There are so many variables, depending on the physical condition of the dog, its age, its coat length, its breed," he said. "A well-conditioned dog with short hair can play longer in the heat than a long-coated dog not accustomed to getting much exercise. The owner also must take into account the age of the dog and any health problems it might have. Very young or very old dogs are more at risk. Breeds like pugs and Pekinese have more difficulty in the heat because of their facial shape."

 The first signs of heat exhaustion:
* Excessive panting
* The skin on the inside of the ears becomes flushed and red

 Fortney says heat exhaustion quickly deteriorates into heat stroke, with signs of:
* Weakness
* Walk becomes wobbly
* Fainting/loss of consciousness

 "Your quick action can save your dog's life," Fortney said. "If your dog starts getting weak and wobbly, faints and loses consciousness, cool him down as fast as possible -- don't wait to get to the veterinarian's office. Those few minutes could mean the difference between life and death. Hose the dog down with cool water. Apply an ice pack to the dog's head -- a cooler with ice can come in handy -- just place ice inside a towel or other fabric before applying the ice."

 Fortney says that many dogs don't know when to quit exercising. They love playing Frisbee, or fetch, so much that they will continue to the point of exhaustion. It is up to the owner to use good judgment and decide when play should stop.

 "I discourage that kind of activity in the heat of the day anyway," Fortney said. "Wait until the evening when it is cooler."

Hot Summer Temperatures Coupled with High Humidity can Overheat Dogs

 Because of the way dogs cool themselves, they are more susceptible to heat exhaustion than humans. Below are some steps for the identification and treatment of heat exhaustion.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion:

* Heavy panting
* Dog begins huffing and puffing or gasping for air
* Dog begins to weave when it walks because of dizziness
* Dog lays down or collapses and can't get up
* Dog becomes unconscious

Depending on the seriousness of the situation, these are the steps an owner should take if your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion:

1. Move the dog out of the sun and into the shade or into an air-conditioned building.
2. Give the dog water to drink.
3. Rinse the dog off either in the bath tub or with a garden hose.
4. Place the dog in front of a fan while it is still damp.
5. Place ice bags around the dog's head and neck.
6. Take the dog to the veterinarian only after the dog has been cooled down.

Holiday and Seasonal Hazards

While holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah and New Year's Day can bring us much celebration and joy, they can also offer some potential hazards to our pets. Here is a partial list of things which are potentially dangerous to your pet:

courtesy of the American Dog Trainers Network

Aluminum Foil

When ingested, aluminum foil can cut a dog's intestines, causing internal bleeding, and in some cases, even death.

Anti-Freeze

If ingested, anti-freeze (ethylene glycol) is often lethal -- even in very small quantities. Because many dogs like its sweet taste, there are an enormous number of animal fatalities each year from animals drinking anti-freeze. Poisoning from anti-freeze is considered a serious medical emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains an element which is toxic to dogs, called Theobromine. Even an ounce or two of chocolate can be lethal to a small dog (10 lbs. or less). Larger quantities of chocolate can poison or even kill a medium or large dog. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are especially dangerous. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include: vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity and seizures. During many holidays, chocolate is often accessible to curious dogs, and in some cases, people unwittingly poison their dogs by offering them chocolate as a treat.

Electrocution

Christmas tree lights and electrical cords can be fatal if chewed on by a dog. Whenever possible, keep electrical cords out of reach.

Hypothermia

When a dog's internal temperature drops below 96 degrees F (by being exposed to cold weather for long periods, or getting both wet and cold), there is a serious risk to the dog's safety. Small and short-haired dogs should wear sweaters when taken for walks during cold winter weather. Any sign that a dog is very cold -- such as shivering -- should signal the owner to bring the dog indoors immediately.

Ice-Melting Chemicals and Salt

Ice-melting chemicals and salt placed across sidewalks and roads can cause severe burning to your dog's footpads. Whenever possible, avoid walking your dog through these substances, and wash off his footpads when you return home. There are also products available such as Musher's Secret which can be applied to your dog's footpads prior to going outside, that may help reduce the pain that is often caused by road salt and chemicals.

Poisonous Plants

Dogs can become extremely ill or even die from eating poisonous plants. Keep all unknown types of plants and any plants suspected of being poisonous out of reach of your pet, and/or spray with Bitter Apple (for plants). [See below for a partial list of poisonous plants.]

Poisonous Plants -- Partial List

Amaryllis -- bulbs
Calla Lily
Christmas Berry -- Berries
Christmas Tree -- Needles, Tree Water
English Ivy
Holly Berries (English and American)
Hydrangea -- Flower Buds
Juniper -- Needles, Stems and Berries
Mistletoe Berries
Pine Needles
Star Of Bethlehem
Note: Veterinary treatment should be immediate if poisoning is suspected.

Plastic Food Wrap

Plastic food wrap can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Some dogs will eat the plastic wrapping when there are food remnants left coating its surface.

Tinsel and Other Christmas Tree Ornaments

When ingested by a dog, tinsel may cause obstruction of the intestines, and the tinsel's sharp edges can even cut the intestines. Symptoms may include: decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, listlessless and weight loss. Treatment usually requires surgery.

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