Hello OC Golden Blog Subscribers,
Recently in the area, we live in, we found ourselves amid a heatwave with temperatures daily exceeding 90 Fahrenheit throughout the summer and with this week coming up will will reach triple digits.
When temperatures soar, it can become problematic for our Golden Retrievers. Unlike humans, they cannot regulate their internal temperatures by sweating. As such, pet owners must be aware of what temperatures are too hot for our Golden Retrievers, so we can take steps to mitigate any issues. Below are some really good points to look for in your pet and to also take care of them.
Tips for keeping cool through the dog days of summer
If you see the mercury rising, here are some tips to keep your canine cool:
- Offer an ice pack (Frozen 2 liter works best) or wet towel to lay on.
- Add ice cubes to the water dish.
- Offer access to a wading pool with shallow, cool water.
- Offer access to cool shade by stringing up a tarp, cloth, or use a shade screen.
- Bring a collapsible water dish on your walks.
- Avoid walking on hot pavement, and consider booties to insulate their toes.
- Early morning or evening play times, exercise, and walks are best.
- Give your dog some homemade frozen treats.
Heatstroke in dogs: know the signs
- Raised temperature (101.5° is normal)
- Rapid breathing and panting
- Excess salivation and thickened saliva
- Fatigue or depression
- Muscle tremors
- Staggering
If you spot these signs, get your dog inside and contact your vet. Wrap your dog in cold wet towels, especially the underarm/belly/groin area. A fan may be used on the dog during the cooling process. Check your dog’s temperature every five minutes and end the cooling treatment when the temperature is down to 103°. Avoid cooling too rapidly to avoid shock. Allow access to cool water, but don’t force your dog to drink. Your vet may push IV fluids if dehydration is a concern.
Dehydration in dogs: know the signs
- Sunken eyes
- Lethargy
- Dry mouth
- Depression
- Gently pinch a fold of skin at the top of the neck. Is it slow to snap back?
Not all signs of dehydration are easy to detect. If you suspect your dog may be dehydrated, a trip to the vet is recommended.
Offer clean cool water. Try different bowls, adding a splash of carrot juice, chicken broth, or pieces of a favorite fruit to one of the bowls to encourage drinking. Some dogs enjoy a few ice chips in their water dish.
We hope everyone enjoys the nice weather and we hope all your fur family members do as well but be safe.
OC Goldens - Mike
