Dog Care During the Dog Days of Summer

Before taking your dog out on a morning walk or run be sure to check the heat index. The temperature can feel much hotter than the thermometer says because of the humidity factor.

Even though the thermometer reads 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the Temperature-Humidity Index (usually just called the Heat Index) makes it feel much hotter. The index is a term used to indicate the degree of discomfort caused by the combination of temperature and humidity in warm weather. The heat index is like the wind chill factor during winter when the wind makes the temperature feel colder than it actually is.

Temperature and humidity (the amount of water vapor in the air) are factors translated by equations into an index that ranges from 43 to 103. In humid air, perspiration does not evaporate as fast, making it difficult for your dog to cool down efficiently. As the humidity increases, the environment feels warmer than it actually is. An apparent temperature, or heat index, of 105 F can be reached when the air temperature is only 90 F, and the relative humidity is 70 percent.

An apparent body temperature of about 105 F makes heat stroke possible. With a heat index of 130 F or higher, heat stroke is extremely likely. It does not take extremely high ambient temperatures to produce heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps, and can occur after exposure to extremely high environmental temperatures. All of these illnesses can occur in dogs and all can be prevented by taking adequate precautions.

Those at greatest risk of heat-related illness include:

• Puppies up to 6 months of age
• Geriatric dogs (large breed dogs over 7 years of age and small breed dogs over 14 years of age)
• Dogs who are overweight
• Dogs who overexert during work or exercise
• Dogs who are ill or on certain medications
• Bulldogs or Pugs and other dogs with a history of an airway obstruction
• Those with fever, dehydration, heart disease or poor circulation

 Prevention:

• Use precautions to avoid heat injury in your dog during the following conditions:
• Temperatures greater than 100 degrees (use general precautions for at-risk dogs at 90 degrees)
• Heat index greater then 72 (start precautions for at-risk breeds)
• Heat index greater than 75 (use absolute precautions for at-risk breeds)
• Precautions include the following:
• Keep dogs in well ventilated areas.
• Provide exercise early in the morning or late in the evening (the coolest times of the day).
• Minimize exercise in hot weather.
• Do not leave your dog in a car for any reason at any time.
• Keep dogs in the house in a comfortable environment during extreme weather conditions if possible.
• Limit sun exposure during the mid-day hours.
• Give your dog plenty of fresh water, and leave the water in a shady area.
• For a sudden high temperature change, allow your dog to acclimate. Many cases of heat illness occur in the spring when your pet is not yet used to the new temperatures.
• If traveling to a hotter climate, allow several days to become acclimated before allowing any vigorous exercise for your dog and work up to it gradually.
• Ensure that puppies drink adequate amounts of liquids.