Now that summer is upon us, it is crucial that owners know how to keep their dogs cool in the hot weather.

Dogs eliminate excess body heat by panting and, to a very limited extent, by sweating through their pads. If the environment they are in is too hot then these processes become ineffective and the dog becomes overheated. Their body temperature rises rapidly causing heatstroke. If the temperature gets above 40.5 degrees celsius (105 degrees fahrenheit) then the dog is in danger and if the temperature is not immediately reduced, the dog will die.

The first priority is to remove the dog from heat. You then need to bring its temperature down using cool water; as the water evaporates, it will cool the skin. Take the dogs rectal temperature every five minutes. Keep cooling the dog with water until the body temperature has fallen below 39.4 degrees celsius (103 degrees fahrenheit). Dot not worry if it falls to 37.8 degrees celsius (100 degees fahrenheit) or a little lower; a slightly lower body temperature is less dangerous than a very high one.

Heatstroke can be prevented by taking a few simple steps:

• Always provide good ventilation, access to shade, and plenty of water.
• In warm weather, ensure that flatnosed, old, or fat dogs have access to cool rooms and plenty of water.
• NEVER leave your dog in a car on a warm day, even if you park in the shade and leave the window open.
• In cold weather, never leave your dog in a car in direct sunlight and with the heater switched on.

[Information taken from the book Caring for Your Dog by Dr Bruce Fogle ISBN: 0-7513-38605]

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