Living in warm weather while keeping a hot dog cool

We tend to think that if we are able to handle the heat all the more a dog should be able too. After all he is a dog...

But to our regret this is terribly wrong.

Almost all of us have made the mistake of leaving our dogs in a closed car. This can cause serious damage to your dog. The dog can go into heat prostration, which can cause brain damage or even death.

In South Africa we are known as sunny South Africa. And through the years this has become even truer with our ozone layer diminishing.

We are less protected from the sun day by day and just like we humans need to wear sun block EVERY day so do our animals to prevent maligment maloma (skin cancer). Especially fair skinned dogs. You do get sun block for dogs and I always suggest using your omega 3 and 6 oils as well as vit A and C supplement, which both fights against sun damage and pigmentation.

So how do our dogs cool them self’s off? Through panting. Panting has two meanings, one your dog is feeling anxious and two he is to hot. Dogs do not sweat to cool them off like humans do. So the smaller your dog’s mouth is the harder it is for him to cool off.

Something else to keep in mind is that they are much closer to the ground and whether it is on a road or on sand, it's hot and they feel that directly.

So what can we do to prevent this and relieve their suffering in our scrunching summer sun?

Always have enough shade available during the whole day.Provide water that is safe to drink and to cool off in.If possible let your dog in the house when extremely hot temperatures arise.Never leave your dog in a car without an open window and parked in the shade. On really warm days even this is not sufficient.When driving with your dog in the car have the aircon on and water available when making a potty stop.Never exercise your dogs during the warmest time of day. Huskies not warmer the 15'C.

He will shake like when having convulsions and can have foamish discharge coming from his mouth.

In this situation you can:

Some of the information provided below comes from Dr Pitcairn Natural health for dogs and cats guide.

Take the dog into a shaded and cooler area.Make the dog wet with water continuously to cool the body. Use wet towels or ice packs around the dog’s body.

Give one dose of Belladonna 30CIf not improving in 30min give a dose of Glonoine 30C.

Administer Dr. Bach's rescue remedy; two drops every 10 min in the mouth or on the inside of the ear where there is little hair.

If you are at home you can put your dog in a bath and then take ice packs with as well as the a both mentioned and rush to the vet.

Back to winter dogs page.