Heat and dogs

Heat and dogs

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
Heat on top of heat. I play in several tennis leagues and for the past two weeks team captains have been sending out warning notices about rescheduling matches to indoor facilities because of the heat. Heat stroke is a real and frequent occurrence when playin tennis in temperatures 90 and above. This is not just limited to humans. Many areas of the country are seeing dangerously high temperatures, which can be especially dangerous for dogs in general and your hunting dog in particular. Veterinarian Kurt Hammel says our dogs can easily suffer heat stress or stroke when walking or playing in the heat. First symptoms, excessive panting, excessive drooling and possibly difficulty breathing, which might seem normal to you. After all, it's hot. But as the heat stress progresses, the symptoms turn really nasty and can include vomiting, diarrhea, even bloody diarrhea, extreme weakness, staggering or trouble walking and then finally sudden collapse or seizures and possibly death. Hamill says dog owners need to be alert for any of the symptoms that he's mentioned. And to be on the safe side really limit outdoor activities for dogs in severe heat and if possible, just keep them indoors.
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