Hot Dog? It Could Be More Dangerous Than You Think

It is hard to believe it but warm weather is already here. (Time just seems to go so fast!) Today I want to talk to you about an important topic. This is the most dangerous time of year for dogs to suffer from heat related illnesses - especially heat stroke. I want to tell you why and also give you some tips to prevent heat stroke in your dog.

What is heat stroke? Heat stroke is a serious condition resulting from extremely high body temperature (rectal temperature of 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit). It leads to nervous system abnormalities that may include lethargy, weakness, collapse or coma.

Abnormally high body temperature (also called hyperthermia) develops after increased muscular activity with impaired ability to give off heat, due to high heat and humidity or respiratory obstruction.

Allowing a dog to remain in a car with closed windows on a hot summer day is probably the most common cause of heat stroke.

Normal dogs dissipate some heat from their skin; however, panting allows evaporation of water from the respiratory tract and is an effective method of heat dissipation. When these mechanisms are overwhelmed, hyperthermia and heat stroke usually develop.

May and June often have days that are extremely hot (and it seems as though the weather has become "too hot - too fast"). Naturally, dog owners want to take their dogs out for a run or a bike ride, and sometimes they leave their dogs inside a hot car. Dogs are not acclimated yet to the extreme temperature change and they are especially vulnerable to heat stoke.

What can you do? Here are 5 tips to prevent these types of problems in your dog.

1. Exercise your dog gradually. Don't over do it. Don't go for a five-mile run on the first nice day of the season. This is especially true if your dog is older, obese or has a heart or lung problem.

2. If it is hot and your dog is panting hard - stop what you are doing. Allow him to cool down and stop panting before continuing.

3. ALWAYS make sure your dog has plenty of fresh clean water.

4. NEVER EVER leave your dog inside a hot car. Period. Not for 20 minutes, not for 2 minutes. There is no excuse. If it is hot outside, don't take your dog with you unless you are able to stay in the car with him and keep the air conditioner running.

5. Remember - if you are uncomfortable, your pet probably is, too.

The elevation in body temperature stimulates your dog's body to release substances that activate inflammation. At temperatures greater than 109 degrees Fahrenheit, failure of vital organs, and consequently death, can occur.

Remember to ALWAYS make sure your dog has plenty of water.

One last point - if you leave your dog in the yard, make sure he has both water AND shade!