Heat tips for cool south Florida dogs

As the South Florida heat and humidity begin to kick up a notch, it's a good time to review some heat tips for keeping your dog cool this summer.  Even experienced dog owners can use a refresher course on how easily Fido can suffer heatstroke or worse if not monitored. 

Last summer, an experienced K-9 police officer in the UK left two German Shepherd police dogs in his patrol car where they died from the heat.  In the U.S, an experienced handler traveling to a dog show left 7 dogs in a van for 'just a few minutes' where they also died. 

It is estimated that hundreds of dogs die each year as the result of being left in cars.  It's important to realize how fast temperatures rise inside, even with the windows open a crack.  The mercury can climb to 120 degrees within minutes, even in cars parked in the shade. 

Dogs have an internal temperature higher than a human's.  Dogs also cannot perspire to dispel heat since they have no sweat glands throughout their bodies.  Their less effective method of cooling themselves is to lose heat through the pads of their feet and by panting.  Some breeds handle the heat better than others, but short-snouted or flat-faced dogs have the most trouble. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that although dogs' feet are tougher than humans, they can still burn on hot surfaces like black asphalt.  Plus, a dog's body is closer to the ground than ours so they are absorbing more heat from the road or sidewalk.  Try to walk your dog in early morning before the surfaces are hot, or late in the evening when they've cooled.  Find a shady path and one with grass for him to walk on if possible. 

Though we tend to be more active in the summer ourselves, don't over-exercise your best friend.  Keep a close watch over him at picnics, cook-outs and other events.  Signs of heatstroke in dogs include:

• excessive panting
• drooling
• rapid heartbeat
• very red or purple tongue
• glazed eyes
• weakness
• vomiting
• collapse

To treat a dog with heatstroke, make your way to a veterinarian as quickly as possible and in the meantime, wrap a wet towel over his head, chest, neck and feet pads.  Pour cool (not cold) water over him.  Try to get him to drink small amounts of water, but be sure it's not seawater or chlorinated water and don't force him to drink.  Do not use ice to cool him down. 

If you have a 'water dog' who loves to swim, remember that leaving him outside will probably lead to him entering any available water to cool off, so be sure he's a great swimmer and knows where he can get back out of the water.  Sometimes dogs enter pools but forget where the steps are when they're finished with their dip.  Also consider a day at Jupiter Dog Beach, a wonderful outing for both of you. 

A great idea is also to have a baby pool around that you can fill with water for his enjoyment.  Be sure it's in a shaded area.  Dogs often love to romp into and out of the pool, or lie down in it, seeming to say, 'Ahhhh' as they cool themselves. 

It goes without saying that your dog needs lots of fresh, cool water to drink on a hot day.  If he's outside unattended for any length of time (not recommended!), make sure he has more than one filled bowl in case he spills one.  A great way to ensure a water bowl stays upright is to use a bundt pan.  Drive a stake into the yard and put the hole in the pan over it.  Fill the bowl often, and remember dogs like cold water just as we do, and most enjoy ice cubes.

Other tips for keeping your buddy cool include frequent brushing or even shaving of his coat if he's a long-haired dog.  Don't shave too close to his skin, though, because he can get sunburned.  Believe it or not, you really should use sunscreen on his nose and ears, too!   

Elderly, overweight dogs or dogs with heart or lung problems should probably stay inside in the air conditioning. 

Take these simple precautions and let the good times roll this summer!

Watch a fun video of some cool dogs enjoying their summer!

Don't have a dog?  Or need another?  Check out Tri County Humane Society, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, PB County Animal Care and Control, or Safe Harbor to adopt a best buddy for your summer fun.  Save a life....adopt, don't buy!

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