Summer is officially here! People are starting to go out and about into the fresh air and sunshine since CV-19 restrictions are slowly lifting. There are some simple precautions to take to protect our sweet dogs while they accompany us.
Canine sweat glands are found only on their nose and foot pads. Dogs regulate their body temperature primarily by panting, which, truth be told isn't terribly efficient! Thus, in a relatively short period of time an overheated dog can suffer severe, irreversible damage to the brain, heart, liver, and nervous system.
Traveling with your little Havanese is fun! In summer, however, leaving Bonnie or Clyde in the car while you do errands is not an option. The temperature in a closed vehicle, even if the windows are cracked, can reach dangerous levels in no time flat. This table illustrates it:
VEHICLE TEMPERATURES
Inside Temp
Outside Temp 10 min. 30 min.
70 degrees F 89 104
75 94 109
80 99 114
85 104 119
90 109 124
95 114 129
Frightening. We were stunned to see those figures. Please, do not leave your dog in a vehicle! In many states this is illegal. Unless you can take your dog inside the store with you, it’s better he remain safely at home.
The Havanese originating in the hot climate of Cuba, can handle heat better than most. Their double coat actually offers protection from the sun. However, it’s still a fur coat he can’t take off, so be careful and cautious. Many folks have their Havanese in a short coat for summer, but that means he has less protection from the suns’ intense heat.
For exercise and other outdoor activities, try to do these in the cooler parts of the day, like morning or evening. On those wicked hot days it’s better for both of you to just lay low and keep as cool as possible! Make sure to provide a shady spot to help your dog cool down, take frequent breaks, have plenty of water, and watch them carefully for signs of heat stress/stroke.
Heat Stroke
Speaking of heat stroke… normally a dog’s body temperature is somewhere between 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, slightly higher than for humans. A dog will start to experience heatstroke at over 105 degrees. At around 106 to 108 degrees, organ damage can occur. Always keep a rectal thermometer handy for your dog and check his temperature if you suspect heatstroke.
Here are some signs to be on the lookout for:
· Excessive panting
· Excessive thirst
· Glazed eyes
· Hyperventilation
· Increased salivation
· Dry gums that are pale or grayish
· Bright or dark red tongue or gums
· Rapid or erratic pulse
· Weakness
· Staggering
· Seizures
· Confusion
· Inattention
· Vomiting
· Diarrhea
· Collapse
Visit http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/can-my-dog-get-heat-stroke/ to read what you can do if your dog does have heatstroke.
Water needs normally increase in the heat of summer. Make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times. This is a given at any time of year, but especially in warm temperatures. A pool of some sort is often appreciated by the water-loving dog, to splash in or lay belly down in to cool off!
Shade is mandatory when spending time outside. The deep shade of large trees or even your house is wonderful because the ground remains cool. A dog will often scratch up a little depression in the soil as a cool resting spot.
Feet need extra consideration in summer. Concrete and especially asphalt get blistering hot! The rule of thumb goes that if the surface is too hot to hold the back of your hand on for any longer than a few seconds, it is much too hot for your dog’s sensitive paws. Serious injury can occur. There are dog boots available to protect your dog’s paws in summer or winter.
Insects are a blight in summer for our canine companions, too- fleas, ticks, mosquitoes to name a few. There are many non-toxic things to use. Baltic amber collars and therapeutic-grade pure essential oils are very effective. The oils we like are geranium, lemongrass, citronella, lavender, and cedarwood. They smell wonderful and are safe for you and your pets!
With just a little thought and small adjustments you can protect your Havanese. Have a safe and pleasant summer!
#SafeSummertimeFun #HighlandGlennHavanese #NaturallyRearedHavanese #HavanesePuppiesWA #HavaneseBreedersWA
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