Heat and animals.

Maddie is suffering very badly in this heat, I am just giving a gentle caution, be aware animals can suffer heatstroke very quickly, this can cause untold damage to internal organs, I have seen 2 dogs on separate occasions die, it is not an easy death. Even a gentle amble to "empty" can cause distress.
If your dog/animal is panting excessively with thick saliva, seems weak, keeps lying down or cannot walk, spray with water from the feet up, wet towels over the body and belly area, if your dog starts shaking, get it to a vet.

Dogs are designed to conserve heat. Their sweat glands, found on their noses and the pads of their feet, are inadequate for cooling during hot days. Panting and drinking water helps cool them, but if they only have overheated air to breathe dogs can suffer brain and organ damage after just 15 minutes. Young dogs, seniors, or pets with weight, respiratory, cardiovascular, or other health problems are especially susceptible to heat-related stress.

 

Good headsup, Pam

As you may recall, our Ozzy is part Malamute (bred for the Alaskan weather) and his double coat is both a blessing and a curse in equal measure.

I shall keep a keen eye out for the symptoms you have posted.

Mind you, Ozzy is such a ninny at times that he sun bathes!

 

Megan is really struggling too, I have reduced the length of her walks and now take her around the block once the sun goes down but in the last few days even at that time is is ridiculously hot and she is still panting hard. I bought a baby paddling pool yesterday so she can lay down in it if she wants but so far she just drinks from it!

 

Got to be so careful with our furry friends!

 

May not suit your personal schedule, @**Yvonne**, but I take Ozzy out pre-sunrise - best part of the day (air is less polluted and fresh/cool)

Agreed @Ellen

 

Maddies main walks are 6am and 9-30pm now.

 

I take my three dogs along the river. They can jump in and out of it safely and stay cool at the same time. Willa is still very young so she has to do everything at high speed, which is a bit worrying in the heat, so being able to get in and out of the water is a real lifesaver.

 

Always used to take my dogs somewhere where there is water during hot weather, if not, then its best not to go out at all in the heat of the day.

 

Pam...

 

If you take your animals out in the heat of the day, You should also wear a thick coat and go for a 4 mile walk to see what it's like

 

I would never take my dog out for a 4 mile walk in this heat Jiffy.

 

.......And as for those people that leave their dogs in cars! Even in shade and with windows partially open the car will very quickly turn into a greenhouse. The times I have reported this to customer services desks at supermarkets for the owners to be called, what on earth do some people think......that animals are immune to heat?

 

You'll never believe this but today outside a supermarket there was a chap sat outside with a bucket collecting for a dog rescue charity,underneath an umbrella was ,I'm guessing, a middle aged cross breed Spaniel ...Yes it had water albeit warm and a fussy blanket to sit on but I saw red I'm afraid....I tried to remain calm and got chatting to the chap and we were talking about the need for dogs to be rescued and the stories were horrific ,I was trying to tread lightly but the heat was getting the better of me never mind the poor dog who was panting away ten to the dozen...so I threw in the question (politely) ..."Do you really think it's wise to have a dog out on a day like this? Whoa then the balloon went upI got a right mouthful ...I've been trying to ring the rescue charity all afternoon and I won't stop until I've spoken to themYeah lets rescue a dog from being beaten or starved to death and fry it instead
I don't often get my 'mad up' but this one has done it for me...

1...2...3...and breathe

 

Annnnd another thing,at 2pm today it hit 28 degrees....Why did I see people walking dogs?

 

It`s what I call the "fair weather walkers" the field behind us between 6 and 7 tonight will be full of people and dogs, you only see once or twice a year ,,,, and throwing balls for the dogs to run after.
I go late about 9- 9-30, usually on my own then or sometimes I see another chap with a staff, see him nearly every day of the year.