July 20th, 2009
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Dogs are affected by heat as much as we are. They can suffer from dehydration, sunburn and overheating. It’s best to keep them indoors during the hottest part of the day. Always provide plenty of water, inside and out.
Keep in mind that signs of heatstroke include: hard, staggering gait, rapid heartbeat, dazed look, listlessness, restlessness, dark red or purple gums and/or tongue and vomiting. You can gradually lower his body temperature by moving him to the shade or air-conditioning, applying cold packs to his head, neck or belly, or immersing him in cool (not cold) water and giving him small amounts of cool water or ice cubes to lick. Of course, contact your vet if he’s not cooling down. |
This is so true. We’re experiencing a heat wave in Los Angeles. We were worried about our older dogs, but it was our 5 year old chow-chow that collapsed last night from the heat. My husband shaved her fur coat down to a puppy cut and we kept Shelby inside all night so she could cool off in the air conditioning. She had “heat shivers” – that made her teeth click together – something I had never seen before. Tons of cool water and TLC. Do watch your pets, folks! Age is not a factor! All the best from the far west, E. & R.
I give my minipin ice and she sits in front of the fan after a nice long walk/run.