Hot Tips For Hot Dogs

TRAVELLING:
Never leave your dog in a hot car.  Dogs are not able to reduce their body temperature as efficiently as humans and if left in a hot car will succumb to the heat very quickly.  They start to pant heavily, salivate and within a very short time they will suffer heatstroke, go into a coma and may even die.  Hyperthermia can occur even when the car is left in the shade with the windows open, so please, don’t take any chances.  Brachycephalic breeds (dogs with short noses such as bulldogs, pugs and boxers) are particularly susceptible as are older dogs and puppies. 

For more about this subject click ‘Hyperthermia in Dogs’ and ’10 Ways to Prevent Hyperthermia in Dogs’

If you do have do have to make a journey in hot weather, always carry plenty of water in the car and a bowl.  Stop at regular intervals to let your dog out and let him have a drink.

Sunshades for the back windows can make the car a little more comfortable for your dog while travelling.  These can be purchased from most car accessory shops.

Don’t forget that hot cars are not the only places in which a dog can suffer hyperthermia.  Hot conservatories are just as dangerous!



UV RAYS

Over exposure to UV rays can be as harmful to the skin of animals as it is to that of humans.  Dogs (and cats) with white coats are particularly prone to sunburn, which may lead to cancer.  Vulnerable pets should be kept out of the sun when possible or treated with a total sun block, paying special attention to the extremities where the skin is unprotected by fur.  Human total sun block from the chemist will do nicely, but a word of warning, get a clear one or you might find that your clothes get stained when your dog nuzzles you!!

GRASS SEEDS
There is nothing more pleasant than taking a cool summer evening stroll in the countryside or a park but do be aware of grass seeds that can lodge in a dog’s ears, eyes and pads and cause problems if they are not removed immediately.  Pointed seeds have a nasty habit of lodging in the skin and working their way into the tissues where they may cause swelling and infection.  It is not uncommon for dogs to end up in surgery having seeds removed under anaesthetic, so please check your dog carefully after every walk.

MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN
Perhaps the British are more aware of the dangers of the midday sun than they were in Noel Coward’s time, but on hot days, please be cautious and don’t exercise your dog in the heat of the day.  He’ll love you far more if you allow him to rest in a cool room or a sheltered area with plenty of water provided.  Early morning and evening dog walks are much more fun in the heat of the summer!



PARASITES
The presence of fleas is even more prevalent in the warmer months.  If your dog is scratching himself more than usual, he may have fleas (no dog is immune however meticulous you are!).  Try brushing his coat over a damp piece of kitchen towel – if you see reddish brown blobs on the towel, you can be sure that this is the problem!  Now is the time to use an anti flea treatment recommended by your vet.  You would also be advised to worm your dog at the same time as fleas can be instrumental in causing tapeworm infection.  However prevention is always better than cure!

If you are taking your pet abroad, inform your vet of the area you intend to visit and get advice on preventative treatments for ticks and sandflies.  These insects can infect your dog with diseases such as Leishmaniosis spread by sandflies and Babesiosis and Ehrlichia both spread by a species of tick.

If your dog’s skin becomes itchy and sore but there is no evidence of fleas, do get advice from your vet.  Many dogs are sensitive to grass, pollen and other allergens, however regular bathing with a dog shampoo can prevent or alleviate minor skin complaints. 

SWIMMING POOLS AND STILL WATER



A cool pool of water can be very tempting to a dog on a hot day and would be no surprise if he wanted to jump in, but please be aware that a dog cannot always get out of a swimming pool on his own and if left unattended, he may drown.  Also be aware of water with strong currents.  Accidents do happen!

Still waters and lakes often get covered with blue-green algae in the summer, which is highly toxic to dogs and if swallowed can cause damage to the liver and nervous system. We would hate your dog to become ill, so please take care.