Our doodles need to be watched closely this time of year for signs of heatstroke. The human body releases excess body heat by sweating, a dog doesn’t have that ability. You’ll see them pant and try to place their tummies against the cool ground – occasionally digging in the shade in an effort to find the cooler damp soil. Unfortunately their method of cooling off doesn’t always work as well as it should, especially if they’ve been exercising or in a crate in a hot room. The result is heat exhaustion, which can lead to heatstroke.
Initial signs of heat exhaustion are accelerated panting and rapid heartbeat. If the condition progresses to heatstroke you may notice muscle weakness and/or collapse, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and possible seizures. A normal body temperature for your Doodle is 100.5° to 102.5°, if your Doodle’s rectal temp reaches 105° you need to seek veterinary assistance.
If your Doodle is showing early signs of heat exhaustion, bathe or hose him down with cool, not really cold, water – and do not use ice. The reason for a gradual cool down is that drastically cold temps will make the blood vessels in his skin contract and he’ll lose his ability to release heat through his skin. Don’t wrap him in a wet towel because again, you’re trapping heat in. A cool wet towel for him to stretch out on is good. In mild cases, with proper home care, your Doodle will recover without any problem.
- Most important – never, ever leave your dog in a car on a hot, humid day even with the windows cracked open. A dog can die in a hot car in only 10 minutes.
- Keep your home at a comfortable temperature, even while you’re at work. If you don’t have air conditioning, leave a few (screen covered) windows slightly open to create a cross-breeze.
- Avoid over exercising your Doodle during the hottest hours of the day. Remember asphalt and pavement can burn his foot pads. If he shows signs of being tired, allow him to rest.
- Keep your Doodle out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.
- Always provide access to fresh water .
- Avoid taking your Doodle to the beach in the middle of the day. If you do go to the beach, take a beach umbrella to provide him with shade.
- If he spends time outside while you’re at work, make sure he always has a cool shady spot to relax in – not a dog house in the sun.
- On hot days, I wet a bath towel with the hose, wring it out, and place it in with the puppies – they love to claim their little spot for naptime.
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