Keep your dog cool in the heat

UNFORTUNATELY, in summer it is not uncommon for vets to see dogs that have been subjected to heat stress.
Dr Lindsay Williams of Lilydale Veterinary Centre said dogs are particularly vulnerable as they can only sweat minimally and lose most of their heat by panting.
Some dogs, he said, don’t seem to notice they are over-heating and happily continue to run around even in high temperatures.
Dr Williams offers the following advice to dog owners on the prevention, recognition and treatment of heat stress. “As always prevention is better than the cure. So on hot days do not leave your dog in a car – even if only for a few minutes!
“Don’t exercise your dog in the heat. Try to provide a cool sheltered environment and always provide lots of water – cold if possible.
“If you have a long haired dog with a thick coat consider getting it clipped over the summer.
“If, however, your dog does get too hot signs of heat stress include weakness, loss of balance, excessive panting, rapid breathing, disorientation and collapse.
“If you suspect heat stress, taking your dogs rectal temperature can be very useful. Normal temperatures for dogs is up to 39.5C. Above this you should cool you dog.
“At rectal temperatures above 41C organ failure starts to occur leading to death unless immediate emergency veterinary treatment is started.
“If your dog starts to show signs of heat stress help cool it by gently hosing your dog preferably with cool water and continuously sponging or grooming off the water, especially in long haired dogs.
“If using cold water (below 8C) it is best to wet the coat then wipe off the water and then wet the coat again repeatedly – this stops blood vessels in the skin shutting down which actually results in an increase in core temperature.
“Similarly, do not hold ice packs against the skin as these will shut down surface vessels, slowing cooling.
“Finally do not cover your dog with a wet towel as this acts like a wetsuit trapping heat in. If your dog has collapsed seek veterinary attention immediately.”
Lilydale Veterinary Centre is at 3 Maroondah Highway, Lilydale. Phone 9735 4211.