When Dogs Get Too Hot
Maybe it is because it is so rare but as soon as we get a few hot days in Ireland people all over the country make a pretty good attempt to kill their dogs. This they do by closing them in metal boxes, placing them in the full heat of the sun, and allowing them to slow cook. In other words they leave them in the car. Mostly the dogs survive, if only due to the concern of passers-by who, recognising the plight of the imprisoned pet, call for help.
Certainly last summer, during a short-lived heat wave, the KSPCA experienced a flood of calls from people concerned about dogs locked in hot cars. Most were liberated before they got into real trouble but a few ended up needing veterinary attention. At least one dog came very close to death.
When temperatures rise we start to sweat, and the evaporation of the sweat cools us down. Dogs cannot do this. They only have sweat glands in a small area between the pads of their feet, none at all on their bodies, and rely mainly on panting to stay cool. This works well enough provided the dog can find a cool place and stay quiet. In a hot car their bodies quickly overheat and, since the air around them is also overheated, their attempts to cool down by panting are ineffective.
As the temperature of the dog rises, its circulation grows sluggish. Platelets in the blood become sticky and there is a real danger of clots forming in critical areas such as the brain or heart, with fatal results. The higher the dogs temperature rises the greater the risk of kidney failure, which may not resolve even if he is later cooled down.
The people who allow their dogs to suffer in this way are usually not uncaring people. Indeed they are so fond of their pets they do not want to leave them at home while the rest of the family enjoys a day at the beach or a weekend away.
Then they leave the dog in the car while they go for something to eat, or do some shopping, or tour the cool high rooms of Kilkenny Castle. It is only for a short time, they park in the shade, the car windows are open a little and the dog has water. Everything will be okay.
The dog, watching them go, stands up and knocks the water over. The hot still air means there is no breeze through the open windows. The shadows shift and soon the sun is shining on a bit of the car and then a bit more. He panics a little and starts to move around looking for a cool spot. Only a few minutes after his owners left his temperature begins to rise.
The dog is in real trouble. If they are lucky the owners return in time and get the dog out and into a shady spot. If they are less lucky, they return to find their car has been broken into and the dog released and a small crowd of disapproving people are standing around watching all the excitement. Also, if they are really unlucky, they may find a very ill or even a dead dog.
Before taking a dog out in a car on a hot day, consider if the journey is necessary. Would the dog be better left at home? A day at the beach may be fun for people but for most dogs a hot beach is a hell, with scorching sand underfoot and little shade. If a weekend away involves a long car journey in each direction, the dog may be happier at home or in kennels while you are gone.
If you do decide to take your dog along follow the tips below to ensure he gets home safely. It is interesting to note that cats almost never suffer from heatstroke. But then when did you last see someone take a cat for a drive on a hot day?
Tips to Keep Dogs Cool
- Never leave a dog in a parked car on a hot day, even for a few minutes
- Bring a large container of water and a flask of ice to provide regular cool drinks
- Wet towels draped over a dog on a hot day are very cooling
- Use a plant mister to lightly spray the dogs coat and keep it damp
- Keep the windows open while the car is moving – overheating can start long before you park and a flow of cool air makes panting more efficient.
- If you stop for a picnic, find a shady spot
- Bring a large umbrella to provide instant shade
- Consider buying a tie out stake to which you can tether a dog in a cool place if he is left alone
- Remember that hairy dogs, fat dogs, old dogs and dogs with short noses are particularly susceptible to overheating
Cooling Down a Hot Dog
- Move the dog immediately to as cool a place as you can find
- Place cold wet towels over the dog. Change the towels as they become warm.
- Sponge the face, ears and feet with cold water
- If a fan is available use it
- Encourage the dog to drink small amounts of cool water frequently but do not allow him to drink large volumes all at once
- Do not apply ice directly to the body – it can cause the temperature to fall too rapidly and go below normal, which has its own dangers
- Seek veterinary attention if the dog does not return to normal within about 30 minutes or if the dog is unable to stand, seems confused or vomits
