Tag Archives: heat

Keep your pooch cool with a healthy weight

I’m not a scientist, but I do believe that keeping a dog light on weight can help them keep their bodies cool as the weather warms up. Think about those extra “winter pounds” we may be trying to shave now, too. A body simply doesn’t need to be heavy during the summer months. We don’t need the extra energy from stored fat, nor do we need the insulation benefit. You may notice yourself and your dogs alike eating less this time of year. . . for good reason!

I work dogs in sport outdoors year-round, and definitely see a workability benefit in keeping a lean dog during the summer months. They’re able to run longer, and jump higher. They also cool faster on a hot day. This is important in our area, where a dog may succumb to heat exhaustion or heat stroke easily. In addition to working dogs, I also walk client dogs during the day, and notice a clear difference in the endurance of leaner dogs in the heat. Of course, there may be some individual differences in dogs and other environmental factors, but I do believe that weight plays its role.

What is the best way to drop pounds on your dog, if it’s needed? Just like any animal (us included!) both diet and exercise are key. You don’t want to just drop weight, you want the weight that remains to be healthy, and in shape! If you don’t already have a walking routine, begin one! If you have one, consider taking your dog to the park to run, or throwing a ball in the yard to get your dog moving more. Additionally, keep your dog on a healthy and grain-free diet (ideally raw) to be sure he receives proper nutrition. From there, you may cut back food as needed until your dog achieves a desirable weight!

Questions on how to start a new diet and exercise program for your dog? Contact us for details!

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Appropriately Exercising Your Dog in the Heat

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Heat can be very dangerous to our pets. Last month, I repeated an essay by Dawn Rexroad on the “Hidden Dangers of Summer,” which included information on parasites that are common, as well as how to recognize and, more importantly, prevent, heat stroke. This month, let’s address how to safely exercise your dog so that he doesn’t go stir crazy during the summer months we should all enjoy!

Especially during these months, when I ask clients the question I always ask “How much exercise does your dog get?” The answer is often “Plenty, her tongue is hanging on the ground by the time we’re done!” While panting can be a sign that the dog is winded, it can also be a sign that the dog is hot, or even stressed. Panting alone cannot be an indicator of adequate exercise. However, if you notice a fat, swollen tongue, that is probably a sign that you need to make an effort to cool your dog down.

So, how do we safely ensure that the dogs get the amount of exercise that they need? I don’t recall a summer where we’ve had this many days over 100 degrees in a row, but it’s time to start getting creative! Personally, I’ve been making an effort to go to bed early and wake up to walk dogs at a safe time. I learned that even 8am is too late to walk the dogs the distance they need to go for proper exercise. So, we’ve been getting up and walking at 7am. Late night walks are an option for those that are night owls, as well. Swimming can be a GREAT way to exercise dogs and keep them cool, if your dog is inclined to like the water. Fortunately, swimming is also an activity that we can join them in, staying cool ourselves! Last, indoor activities can suffice in some cases. For some dogs that I normally walk in the afternoon, I’ll give them a quick potty break, and then give them a run on a treadmill (if one is available and when the dog has been introduced to it properly).

While there is no substitute for proper exercise, other activities such as teaching new commands using target training (watch: teaching touch), playing hide and seek, and having interactive toys and puzzles for your dog to play with are good ideas. These will all burn some mental energy, which can help keep them entertained during the day when it’s not safe to play outside.

Be creative; exercise and train safely. Enjoy your summer!

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Hidden Dangers of Summer

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In May, 2011, we included a survey regarding summertime heat knowledge. Thank you to those that participated!! If we used majority responses, there was an average of 100% correct answers out of the 10 questions. Great job, it looks like everybody knows how to protect their dogs against summertime dangers! There were only 4 out of 10 responses that all respondents answered the same, however. Let’s take a moment to address all of the answers, both for those that responded, and for those that may be curious about the answers. . .

Question 1: Which of the following are transmittable to humans?

Answer: Hookworms, Tapeworms, and Roundworms are all transmittable to humans. Whipworms are not.

Question 2: What is the cause of heartworms?

Answer: Mosquitoes carry heartworm larvae. Fleas and ticks are not carriers of this parasite.

Question 3: What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Answer: Heat exhaustion comes before heat stroke. Keep reading to learn the signs of each!!

Question 4: How do dogs cool off?

Answer: By panting, and finding a cool, shady area. Even sun-loving dogs will search for a cool spot when they’ve had enough!

Question 5: Securely hooking a bucket in a shaded area, leaving a hose running to it with a trickle is a good way to ensure an outdoor dog has a fresh supply of cool water.

Answer: TRUE! On hot days, water buckets can become hot, especially metal buckets. Ensuring that an outdoor dog has a bucket that is secured from tipping and securely attaching a trickling hose can make sure the water supply is fresh and cold.

Question 6: Turning a fan on is the best way to keep a dog cool.

Answer: FALSE. Dogs cannot sweat, and therefore do not cool as we do when a fan is turned on. Continue reading to learn the best ways to keep a dog cool!

Question 7: The following is a symptom of heat stroke:

Answer: Wide eyes, rapid heavy panting, increased body temperature, bright red mucous membranes and tongue, thickened saliva, and vomiting. (All of the above.)

Question 8: A dog’s normal body temperature is:

Answer: Between 101 and 103 degrees F. Anything above this could be a sign of heat stroke.

Question 9: Veterinary care is critical when the following is noticed:

Answer: Whenever signs of heat exhaustion are present. Re-read question 7 to review these signs.

Question 10: When heat stroke is suspected, it is important to do the following WHILE transporting the dog to a vet:

Answer: Cool belly, inner thighs, paw pads, and tongue, cool the entire body, and stop cooling once the dog’s temperature lowers to 104 degrees F. (All of the above.)

To read a summertime article, by: Dawn Rexroad, please click here. Questions and answers for this survey were taken from this article, which was reviewed by Dr. Charles Lerner for accuracy. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about what you read! Heat can be dangerous, and we’ve had a lot of “code red” days so far this year. Be careful out there. If you’re hot, you’re dog is hot as well!