Most people don’t think about their pets getting sunburned but they certainly can. White and lightly colored pets can suffer sunburn if they experience too much exposure to the sun. Long-term sun exposure can lead to skin damage and in some cases skin cancers. Limit the amount of time your fair-haired pets stay in direct sunlight. If any type of discoloration or sore appears, consult your Veterinarian for a check-up. Areas that are commonly affected are the ears, eyelids and nose.

HEAT INJURY

Dog Heat injury occurs when a dog’s body temperature exceeds his ability to cool himself. Unlike people, your dog’s normal body temperature ranges between 100 and 102.5 F. When body temperature elevates above 106 F, normal cooling mechanisms are overwhelmed, which results in a serious condition requiring intervention and medical treatment. This type of temperature elevation is different from a fever, which is a normal response to inflammation or infection. The severity of heat injury can range from a mild/moderate temperature increase called heat stress/ prostration (103 to 105 F) to a potentially life threatening condition referred to as heat stroke (106 F and higher). Certain breeds are more prone to heat injury than others. Large double-coated breeds like the chow are particularly susceptible. Dogs bred for life in cold climates such as Malamutes, Huskies, American Eskimos and Newfoundland’s often have little tolerance for heat and humidity. Dogs with shorter faces such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Sharpies and Boston Terriers have less ability to cope with a heat load due to their short and narrow respiratory systems.

 Heat stress can happen quite rapidly, sometimes only in a few minutes, especially in pets that live primarily indoors. Even the pets that live or spend a lot of time outside can succumb to the heat if their cooling mechanisms are exceeded by weather extremes.

TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR PET COOL

 For many dogs, a summer hair cut can relieve heat stress. A good groomer can clip your dog’s coat to a comfortable few inches so they can more easily dissipate the heat. Do not have your dog shaved down to the skin as this eliminates the natural protection of the hair coat and predisposes your pet to sunburn and other injury. If you have a pet that enjoys water, keeping a small pool of water outside provides a fun and cooling environment. Be sure there is just enough water to play in the water depth should not come over your pet’s head. If a pool is not available, a spray from a hose will help. To get your pet used to the hose, start by trickling a small amount of water on the feet and gently move up until your pet gets used to the water. Never blast water at a pet that is not used to the hose.

 If you must take your pet with you, be sure to take plenty of drinking water with you and keep the air conditioning on. Try and keep your pet in a shaded spot in the car and consider not traveling during the heat of the day usually between the hours of 10am to 3pm. Don’t forget to carry a thermos when traveling.

 Try to avoid having your pet stand on the hot pavements for long.

 Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car. Even with the windows open, temperatures quickly rise to lethal levels.

 Like humans, it’s best to exercise in the cooler morning and evening hours. Do not exercise your pet immediately before or after feeding, particularly in hot, humid weather.

 A day at the beach for your pet must include a shady spot to lie in, plenty of fresh water to drink and a hosing down after swimming in salt water.

 Be extra sensitive to older and overweight animals in hot weather. That also goes for those more susceptible to heart and respiratory problems.

 When you leave your pet home for the day in extremely hot weather, leave your air conditioner on and provide your pet with plenty of water. A few ice cubes in your pet’s dish can help keep the water cool.

 Unlike humans, dogs and cats do not regulate their body temperature by sweating. So keep an eye on your pet for any signs of possible heatstroke, such as twitching, rapid panting, barking or a wild “staring” expression. Pour water on him every three to five minutes and then place him in a draft or under a fan. (Do not immerse your pet in water or use ice packs to counteract heatstroke.) Call your Veterinarian immediately.