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The old saying that it's not the heat but the humidity that makes summer days so miserable
is particularly apt when it comes to dogs and their well-being.
According to Dr. William Fortney, assistant professor of clinical sciences in the College
of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University, dogs become less efficient at cooling
themselves as the humidity rises.
"Just like people, dogs are cooled by evaporation. The problem with high humidity is
that it decreases evaporation and slows down the cooling process," Fortney said.
"This time of year we hear a lot about the heat
index, which is a measurement of both the temperature and the humidity level, and that is
what an owner needs to pay close attention to."
There are other factors that hinder canines' ability to cool themselves. They only have
sweat glands on the pads of their feet and on their nose, which are inadequate for cooling
during hot and humid days, Fortney said.
"Panting helps dogs cool themselves but they still aren't as efficient at cooling
themselves as people are," Fortney added. "A dog's heavy coat also works against
the cooling process which makes them that much more prone to heat exhaustion."
Fortney said there are several stages a dog suffering from heat exhaustion goes through.
Heavy panting is the first. That soon gives way to huffing and puffing and the dog will
lie down or collapse. If left untreated it
will slip into unconsciousness and die.
The first step pet owners should take if their dog is suffering from heat exhaustion is to
cease all activity, get the animal out of the sun and give it water, Fortney said.
"The owner can then put the dog in the bath tub or let the garden hose run for a few
seconds and then spray the dog down. Then it can be placed in front of a fan which will
aid in evaporation," Fortney said. "Ice bags can
also be placed around the dog's head and neck."
Fortney also said it is important to start the cooling process as soon as possible.
"A person's first reaction might be to jump in the car and get the dog to a
veterinarian, but in a case of heat exhaustion this is the wrong thing to do,"
Fortney said. "When a dog's temperature has reached 108 or 110
degrees it can only take a couple of minutes before brain damage can occur. The car ride
could take five to 10 minutes, so the owner needs to cool the dog down before taking it to
a veterinarian."
There are several activities that can cause heat exhaustion in dogs, such as running,
being outside for an extended period of time or just sitting in the sun for too long.
However, Fortney said that the main cause for
over-heated dogs is an avoidable situation that is all too common.
"A lot of the heat exhaustion cases we see are a result of dogs being left in a
car," Fortney said. "A person can't crack the windows enough to cool down the
dog without letting it out of the car. This is the worst case
scenario and it only takes a few minutes before it becomes a matter of life and
death."
Prepared by Jason Nicol. For more information contact Dr. William Fortney
at 785-532-4135.
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