Care in hot weather
Dogs do not have the ability to adjust the temperature of their environment or of themselves as efficiently as we do. As a result it is the handler’s responsibility to see that dogs don’t overheat and suffer the numerous health complaints this can produce.
Not only do dogs have thick hair covering their body, but they also have only a limited ability to sweat to assist cooling. Dogs use their tongues to regulate their temperature; this is why they pant during exercise.
During hot weather great care must be taken to ensure your dog does not overheat. Extra care will be necessary with small puppies and those with dark coats. The following points may help;
• Always ensure a supply of fresh drinking water is available. Never restrict water in warm or hot weather especially with working Guide Dogs.
• Puppies and dogs must NEVER be left in vehicles or parts of buildings which can become hot quickly, such as conservatories or summer rooms. Adapt accommodation so your puppy/dog has access to ventilation and shade.
• Exercise your puppy at the very beginning or very end of the day. Staying out of the midday sun will prevent your pup’s temperature rising. Avoid letting dogs ‘sunbathe’ in the garden, restrict them to shady areas or a cool part of the house. In very hot weather, do not free run or overly exercise dogs.
• Try to avoid working dogs during the hottest parts of the day, if essential try to stay out of the direct sun and stop for regular breaks. Make sure to carry some water for your dog and offer it regularly. Consider also that pavements can become so hot that the tar surface can melt.
• When travelling the driver should ensure the effects of air conditioning are available to the puppy/dog. If the vehicle has air conditioning travel does not need to be restricted, however it is worth noting the air will be dry and therefore the puppy/dog should be allowed regular access to water.
• If air conditioning is not available then travelling should be limited to avoid the hottest times of the day and alternative ventilation provided. Regular breaks (minimum every 30 minutes) must be taken to allow the dog out of the car and access to fresh water. If a journey is unavoidable during the hottest part of the day and a vehicle does not have air conditioning the journey must be limited to 1 hour.
• When planning long journeys in hot weather it is worth considering the route to try and avoid any roads works etc where possible.
• Vehicles which are being used to transport dogs where possible should be parked in shaded areas when not in use to keep them cooler. Puppies/dog MUST NOT be left in parked vehicles.
• Restrict energetic exercise and games.
• Do not fit puppy coats or any additional “clothing” eg bandanas, as these will contain heat and only increase your dog or puppy’s temperature.
Signs of heatstroke
If your puppy/dog does overheat, the following symptoms are likely;
• Excessive drinking
• Excessive panting
• Drooling
• Collapse
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• High temperature
• Convulsions and seizures
Heatstroke is an extremely serious condition which will require immediate veterinary attention. It is also advised that you try and cool your pup down using tepid water or by covering in wet towels and moving it to a cool place to try and reduce temperature. DO NOT hose or immerse the puppy in cold water.
