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Orvis UK /Dog Safety /How to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Heat |
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Orvis DogsHow to Keep Your Dog Cool in the HeatYou adore your dog through every season and no matter the weather. But there is something truly special about spending time with your dog in the summer months. The garden beckons. Short walks evolve into long ones. You set off on adventures to the park, the beach, or the lake. Keep in mind, however, that the risk of dehydration and heat stroke in dogs rises along with the temperatures of the season. Whilst you can reach for a glass of water or sit in a cool spot whenever necessary, on blistering days your dog depends on you to ensure his water bowl is filled with fresh, cool water, that he’s drinking enough, and that he’s cooling down when the going gets too darn hot. Read on to learn how to prevent dehydration, overheating, and heat stroke in your dog, spot the warning signs of these dangerous conditions, and keep your best friend cool, hydrated, and safe all through the dog days. How to Keep Your Dog Cool in the House
How to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Garden
How to Keep Your Dog Cool Out and About
Quick Tip: Water is Important for Your Dog Your dog’s body is comprised of 60 percent water just like your own. Drinking enough is crucial for keeping his body functioning properly. Drinking too little water can quickly lead to dehydration in your dog, especially in the heat, when fluids are lost more rapidly. If not reversed, dehydration can quickly become a health emergency, leading to organ damage and, ultimately, organ shutdown and death. Dog DehydrationThe loss of body fluid in hot weather through panting, combined with an inadequate water supply, is a common cause of dehydration in dogs. Other common causes are vomiting, diarrhoea, some medications, and underlying health issues. If your dog’s water consumption is regularly far under or far over the general guideline, or if it changes suddenly, it’s time to visit the vet. Symptoms of Dehydration in Dogs:
If your dog shows these symptoms, take him to the vet immediately. How to Check Your Dog for Dehydration:
How much water should a dog drink per day? The general guideline for canine water consumption is about one ounce of water per pound of body weight. As an example, a healthy adult male border collie weighing 40 pounds would need approximately 40 ounces of water each day, or five cups of water. When the weather gets sultry, that amount should increase. Many pet owners assume their dog will automatically drink the right amount of water if it’s accessible. While often that’s the case, it’s a good idea to pay attention to how much your dog is drinking each day, especially in hot weather, so you know for sure he is getting enough. Heat Stroke in DogsYour dog gets rid of elevated body heat through panting and drinking cool water. He’ll also seek out a shady, cool spot when he gets hot. But on scorching days or after physical exertion in the heat, your dog needs you to take extra precautions to ensure his temperature doesn’t rise to the point of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, a form of non-fever hyperthermia that occurs when your dog’s natural ability to dissipate heat fails. Whilst all dog breeds are at risk, flat-faced breeds in particular—for example, pugs, who don’t pant efficiently—as well as elderly dogs, obese dogs, dogs with thick fur, and dogs with heart or lung disease, are at higher risk. Field dogs must also be watched closely because they are unlikely to stop hunting or retrieving even if they become dangerously overheated. Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Dogs:
If your dog shows these symptoms, take him to the vet immediately. Above all, remember that you know your dog best. Keep a close eye on him when the weather is sweltering to watch for any of the above symptoms, or simply notice when he is not himself. Provide him with plenty of cool water to drink and plenty of cool spots to rest to escape the heat. Then, together, you can enjoy the pleasures of summer to the fullest—no worries. |
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