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galgrey

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    Article On Heatstroke From Dogs Naturally Magazine

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    I obsessively worry about this! My boy is 8 years old and I cant tell whether he is panting from being too hot, old, out of shape, bad heart, and on and on and on. He pants most times on a short walk even if it is cool, say in the low 70's. Recent bloodwork and exam were normal except he was lyme positive with high titer so he was treated with doxy. Not sure if the change in stamina since last year is age related or from the lyme. I only take him around the block now whereas last year he could walk 3 miles in cooler weather. I no longer enjoy our walks because I am always worried about heatstroke so I keep them short.

    I know what you mean. My girl is 12 and has a bad heart and I worry so about her in this heat. She has no stamina for walking now either. She got too hot over the weekend after being in the backyard just a few minutes. She would have been fine except she starting running and got herself overheated. It was 100 degrees outside! She doesn't know she's 12 and has a bad heart. All I know is she scared me silly.

    Article On Heatstroke From Dogs Naturally Magazine

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted · Edited by galgrey

    It's been unusually hot and humid here in NC. Thought I would post this people who may not be familiar with heatstroke.

     

    You’re walking along with your 80-pound, long-haired shepherd one warm, sunny afternoon. You’re breaking a bit of a sweat, but you feel just fine in your shorts and tank. But then you look over at Thor, and he’s not looking too good … his eyes are glazed, he’s panting heavily and he’s starting to pull back on the leash.

    “But, it’s not that hot,” you say to yourself. “What is up with Thor?”

     

    Thor is probably on his way to having heatstroke, which means he is quickly losing his ability to regulate his body temperature because of an overabundance of heat. Dogs don’t sweat the way we do – they only have sweat glands in their nose and pads of their feet. And their only real recourse when they are overheating is to pant, which sometimes isn’t enough. Add to that the fact that their bodies are covered in fur and their paws are usually in direct contact with hot concrete or asphalt … and well, it’s easy to see how they can get much hotter than we can – fast.

     

    And since heatstroke can quickly lead to irreversible damage to major organs like the kidneys, liver, heart, brain – and can even cause death – it’s important to know the signs.

     

    How Do I Know If My Dog Has Heatstroke?

    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.

    Other signs to look out for include:

    1f539.pngExcessive panting

    1f539.pngExcessive thirst

    1f539.pngGlazed eyes

    1f539.pngHyperventilation

    1f539.pngIncreased salivation

    1f539.pngDry gums that are pale or grayish

    1f539.pngBright or dark red tongue or gums

    1f539.pngRapid or erratic pulse

    1f539.pngWeakness

    1f539.pngStaggering

    1f539.pngConfusion

    1f539.pngInattention

    1f539.pngVomiting

    1f539.pngDiarrhea

    1f539.pngRectal bleeding

    1f539.pngCollapse

    If the overheating isn’t stopped, your dog’s breathing will slow or stop, and he can have seizures or fall into a coma. Obviously, we don’t want any of that to happen. So, what should you do if you think your dog has heatstroke?

     

    My Dog Has Heatstroke, What Do I Do?

    Whenever the weather gets warms, it’s a good idea to pay special attention to how your dog is doing. And know your dog: Breeds with “flat faces” like Pugs and Boxers, elderly dogs, puppies and sick dogs are at even greater risk of overheating. Things progress quickly when it comes to heatstroke, so as soon as you detect a problem, act quickly.

    Get him into shade.

     

    Since heat is the obvious problem, the goal is to get him out of it and away from direct sunlight.

    Apply cool water.

     

    Get water on his inner thighs and stomach where there are more large blood vessels, and on the pads of his feet. Use running water via faucet or hose and avoid submerging your dog in a tub or pool because this could cool him too fast and cause other problems like cardiac arrest and bloat. Also, avoid cold water or ice because these will cause the blood vessels to constrict, slowing blood flow and the cooling process.

     

    Air him out.

     

    To help cool your dog, you want to make sure the water you’re putting on him can evaporate. To that end, you’ll want to avoid covering him up with a wet towel or blanket because rather than allowing the water to evaporate, this will create a sauna effect – which you don’t want. Keep him out of enclosed areas like a kennel; instead, keep him near flowing air like from a fan or air conditioner.

     

    Keep him moving.

     

    Encourage your dog to stand or walk slowly while he’s cooling down, so that his cooled blood can circulate throughout his body.

     

    Give him small amounts of cool – not cold – water.

     

    If he gulps down too much water too fast, it can cause vomiting or bloating.

     

    Give him some chicken or beef broth

     

    …if he doesn’t want water, but avoid human performance drinks.

     

    Get him to the vet.

     

    Once your dog has started to cool down, you can stop your efforts and take him to his vet right away. You don’t want to continue trying to cool down your dog for too long or you’ll risk him getting hypothermia. Your dog will need a veterinary exam even if he seems fine because there may be underlying damage to his organs that you can’t see. Even if he seems normal, the effects of heatstroke can continue for 48 to 72 hours following the initial heatstroke. According to William Grant DVM, the most common cause of death following heatstroke is disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) which is blood coagulating throughout the body; it can occur hours or days after the heatstroke episode.

    Mikey 5/30/02 - 6/20/15

    in Remembrance

    Posted

    :cry1 I'm so sorry Mikey couldn't enjoy his heaven on earth for just a little longer. He was a lucky boy to have found his forever home with you. Thank you for taking him in and making him so happy in his last days.

     

    Run free, sweet Mikey!

    :gh_runner

    To Flea-Med Or Not To Flea Med?

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    I am definitely in the minority here on this issue but topicals are absorbed through the skin into the body. That is how they work. I don't use them at all after having a really bad experience with them years ago. I would be afraid to use them on a dog that I knew to have kidney issues. I'm sorry about your dog's kidney issues. I lost one to CRF in 2012. I hope you find something that works.

    Changing To Harness Due To Strong Prey Drive

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted

    Thank you all for the advice! Storm is great with "leave it" as long the bunny doesn't surprise her or run right in front of us. Unfortunately this happens almost daily (seriously?? why do they have to run toward us??).

     

    I am going to try to Freedom no pull first. If that doesn't work I will try some of the others.

     

    Thanks!

    I have this harness have really liked it when used for my dogs in the past, but when my galgo, Cristiano, saw a rabbit, he realized almost immediately that he could back out of it so be aware of that. If I hadn't also had the martingale on him, he would have gotten away from me.

    Changing To Harness Due To Strong Prey Drive

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted · Edited by galgrey

    One Stop Harness Shop has the best harnesses ever! It's only on Facebook. Toni make a no pull no escape harness that really works!

     

    Robin told me about this harness and it has been a life saver for me. Before I got it I tried Majestic Collars' Spook Harness, the Harness Lead, and a Freedom Harness by 2 Hounds Design all combined with a martingale and was using two leashes - one attached to each to try to control my galgo, when we encountered squirrels, rabbits, cats, etc. on our walks. He was still able to pull me off my feet and/or drag me before I got this harness. Cristiano is the highest prey drive hound I've ever had and will still try to lunge after prey, but he can't drag me and he cannot back out of it. I can't recommend it highly enough.

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