You may have noticed your dog panting
alot this summer. But just because it is hot and your dog is
panting doesn't mean he is in trouble on the trail. Aside from
a few, mostly useless, sweat glands on her feet your dog doesn't
have any sweat glands and must rely exclusively on panting to
breathe off excess heat. This is obviously not very efficient
and makes your dog more susceptible to heatstroke much quicker
than we are in hot summer weather.
Heatstroke is neary always preventable
- it's biggest enemy is common sense. Don't plan long, tough
hikes in the heat of the day. Leave the big hikes with your older
dog for cooler weather. If you are hiking with your dog this
summer, don't leave the trailhead without an inexhaustible supply
of drinking water. On the trail with your dog - in any weather,
but especially in the summer - if he drops behind you, stop and
take a break. If you have a short-nosed breed like a Boxer or
a double-coated breed like a German Shepherd, heat will be even
more of a factor on a hike.
It can be difficult to differentiate
between normal heavy panting and the rapid panting that is a
sign of heatstroke. If his eyes become glassy or the gums turn
bright red, take action immediately. Cool down your dog as fast
as possible. Use cool water - icy water can cause too drastic
a body temperature change - applied directly or with soaked towels
to the head, neck, chest and abdomen. Take you time and sit in
the shade awhile - don't rush your dog back on the trail.
Most times heatstroke is an isolated
incident and your recovered dog will not have any lasting problems.
You may want to take her to the vet for a check-up just to be
on the safe side, however.
<<Back To August 2006 Newsletter
<<Go To Article Index
