We are at the peak of hot weather for the season and we need to stay extra-vigilant with our dogs to make sure they don’t have any negative impacts from the heat and sun. Here are some tips to remember as summer progresses:
Hot cars
Since dogs don’t have sweat glands, they are only able to lower their body temperature by panting. This lowering happens not only by evaporating moisture form their mouths, but also from the direct exchange of hot air for cooler air. Even when it’s only 75 degrees outside, the interior of a parked car can exceed 100 degrees in about 15 minutes. When we hit the 90’s outside, interior temperatures can exceed 115 to 140 degrees. Adding in the quick rise in humidity from a panting dog, and they have no chance to lower their body temperatures. A dog’s body begins to experience multi-organ failure at 106 degrees. The longer it stays at this temperature, the lower their chances for survival. Most dogs do not survive even with aggressive treatment.
Hot surfaces
Like cars, surfaces such as pavement, concrete, and even wood decking can be much hotter than the ambient air on sunny days. At peak sun on a 95-degree day, pavement is usually about 150 degrees. Many of you have watched folks in Arizona cooking eggs on sidewalks and the same can happen here. At 150 degrees, an egg would fully cook in about 3 minutes on our sidewalks. This can also easily cause second to third degree burns on dogs’ feet in about the same time. They will not always react until damage is done, so it is best to avoid these situations. If your dog does spend an excessive amount of time on a hot surface, monitor for blistering and sloughing of the surfaces of the pads. Call your vet to seek burn treatment if this is noticed.
Hot sun
Many people think dogs can’t get sun burns, but much like Irish folks, the lighter the skin, the greater the chance for burns. Light colored dogs will mostly get burns on their noses and ear tips. Like a person, a safe, waterproof sun block will provide extra protection from sun damage on these areas.
Nasty flies
Many folks are unware, but flies will lay eggs in your dog’s fur if it is smelly enough. They are attracted by that “wet dog smell” and will seek small wounds or hot spots to lay eggs. These eggs quickly hatch into small maggots that will burrow into the dog’s skin. Most owners don’t even notice this until the odor becomes quickly unbearable. Removing these maggots usually requires surgical debridement under anesthesia and can lead to some nasty, deep tissue infections. Try to dry your dog as quickly as possible after swimming and watch for flies landing on their fur.