Hot Time: Summer in The City

Most of us know that dogs over heat much faster the humans and certainly all responsible dog owners know the dangers of a hot car.  However, dogs can over heat easily outside and even on a day when the weather is in the 80s.   Hot weather is even more dangerous for brachycephalic dogs (dogs with short snouts) like pugs, english and french bulldogs, and boston terriers.   Here are some of the signs of heat stroke:

Early signs include:

• Restlessness
• Panting
• Increased respiratory rate
• Increased heart rate
• Excess salivation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

• Weakness
• Staggering
• Gasping
• Gum color may become brick red, then purple or blue (cyanosis)
• Seizures

If its very the temperature is high leave your dog at home in the air conditioning and do walks in the early morning and evening hours.  For city dogs, remember that pavement retains heat and dogs walking on hot pavement will over heat much more quickly then dogs walking on grass.  Bring water all walks.    If your dog shows any signs of heat exhaustion immediately get them indoors and cool them in a tub with cold water.  Particular attention should be payed to the paws and stomach.  Rubbing alcohol can be brought on walks and applied to a dogs paws to cool them down as well.  There are also products like cooling bandanas and vests. 

Remember keep cool: