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The Heat is On It’s easy to understand how your dog can suffer in the heat. Our central Most people have heard that dogs do not perspire. Instead they “transpire”. That is, moisture in the lungs and breathing passages evaporates when a dog pants resulting in the same cooling effect that occurs when perspiration evaporates from the skin. Blood in small blood vessels in the lungs is cooled. Evaporation is inhibited by ambient humidity, that is, water will not turn to water vapor as readily when the air is already saturated with water vapor. Efficiently functioning respiratory and circulatory systems are required for effective cooling. Heart murmurs and other heart problems will predispose the animal to overheating. Likewise, concurrent respiratory infections or chronic lung disease will decrease cooling efficiency. Notably, the various short nosed breeds like Bulldog and Shih-tzu often have obstructed airways due to their elongated soft palates and therefore are far more prone to overheating. Since dogs don’t cool there bodies from the skin, the coat will sometimes insulate them from the sun’s heat. More helpful than shaving the coat may be thorough and frequent brushing, especially in the spring and early summer to remove the winter coat. We all know that fat is insulating. Here’s yet another reason to keep your pet lean. Lean animals are far less inclined to become overheated. Finally, most of the heat exhaustion and heat stroke cases we see here are associated with exercise. Signs of heat exhaustion are heavy panting, tongue extended and hanging, gums red, weak and unwilling or unable to rise. If heat exhaustion or stroke is suspected you should apply cool running water to the skin immediately. Ice packs can be applied to the armpits, inside of the rear legs and bottom of the neck. Have your pet checked by a veterinarian to be sure no permanent damage has occurred. Have a great, safe summer! |
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