Dog Days of Summer

As we drift off into the dog days of summer, we need to remember that it gets hot and that no dog, or cat, or even their humans like to spend their days bothered by it. As humans we can shed clothes, turn on fans and sip icy drinks with exotic names to cool off. But dogs and cats can only lie there panting and hoping that their humans remember to keep the water bowl full.

We humans both instinctively and cognitively know that summer is no time to don a fur coat*, even a faux fur one. We spend all winter looking forward to when leaves return and flowers begin to bloom and temperatures rise. Yet, as we know to put away our coats until the chill returns, we sometimes forget that our cats and dogs don’t get to store theirs for the summer. Sure, we may grumble that they are certainly trying to as they leave the fur on every surface with which they come in contact, but that doesn’t make it so. Thus we must help them to stay cool.

Whereas you can sweat, pour yourself a tall cool one and splash your self with wet cool something to find relief, the only method for releasing heat for the fur-covered is by panting, which frankly has its limitations. Not just longhaired breeds are subject to heat distress, in fact, short nosed breeds have even less tolerance for excessive heat. And as we tend to take our dogs where we go, dogs are more likely to be exposed to the dangers of excessive heat.

Thus, it is important to fully consider outings with your BFF (“best furry friend”). When the mercury climbs to those levels when the soles of your shoes stick to the pavement and you are sure that if you take another step that you will suffer heat stroke know that if you feel that way, it is not a leap to consider that your significant furry other probably feels the same. Unfortunately for him, he is more likely than you to succumb to the heat.

Dogs in particular can suffer the onset of heat stroke quickly. Should your canine companion start to pant or drool excessively, struggle to breathe normally, vomit, wobble around as if drunk or have reddened gums, in high heat, you should place damp cool towels on him and get him to veterinary care immediately. There are many nasty disorders your dog can suffer from the onset of severe heat stroke, ailments that range from affecting the heart, to blood clotting, to inflammation of muscles and seizures.

Since you would probably rather not become overly familiar with the medical conditions related to severe heatstroke, let alone the cost of them, think before you go on that morning run no matter the temperature. Leave Rex or Rexette at home until another cooler time. Know that idle cars heat up very quickly and at exponentially higher temperatures than the outside air. So, never leave Fido or Fidette in the car with the window cracked for even the just one minute you need to dash into the dry cleaners. And otherwise remember to keep your cool and theirs and you will enjoy many more days of unfettered unconditional love.

*And, just so you know, we do not condone the wearing of real fur coats by humans, even if the temperatures drops to levels where icicles start forming on their eyelashes.