07/31/2023
As we get ready to move from July into August, this is a reminder that when running your dogs this time of year you need to be aware of heat issues. Watch your dogs for heavy panting, elevated heart rate, excessive drooling, agitation, deep red or purple gums and tongue, nausea and or vomiting, muscle cramping or weakness (you'll see this in their rear quarters typically) seizure, weakness, dazed/disoriented, balance loss/stumbling, collapse or loss of consciousness. One or multiple of these symptoms is a sign of heat stroke. While giving your dog water in the field is important, it's sometimes not enough.
Animals cool off by two methods, one being convection (cooler air moving over their body, and the second being conduction (such as laying on a cold surface). Panting is another way but less effective.
In the field we're often limited when it comes to cooling, but we should all be carrying water which can be poured over the dog as the first action. Besure to wet the ears, chest and paws. If you're near a water source, take the dog to the water, hold its collar and bring it in the water, keeping its head above the water and don't let the pup swim.
After a scare with one of my dogs, I've ordered a 5-gallon water jug with a spigot. (Coleman makes a great one) The spigot allows you to run cool (NOT COLD) water on your dog over a slower period of time. I've also ordered a battery-operated fan (I bought a Ryobi 20v fan) that I can use to blow cool air over the dog. We used these tools to cool my pup who was better within minutes. (And then put into my air-conditioned truck for the rest of the day!)
Believe it or not, pouring rubbing alcohol over their pads is not effective.
Here's a good article. Pay attention to the section "Cooling the Patient." https://todaysveterinarynurse.com/emergency-medicine-critical-care/providing-care-to-dogs-with-heatstroke/
Be safe out there!
Every second counts: A discussion of heatstroke in dogs, including how to recognize, treat, and care for the heatstroke patient.
