Hot Dogs
Singapore is situated just north of the Equator; This means that the weather is hot and humid all year round.
Average temperatures hover at around 31º C (88º F) in the daytime with no serious seasonal variation. Pretty
hot, huh? Rainfalls are frequent but transient which in all makes Singapore’s weather a constant source of irk
to it’s people. But what about our dogs? Do they feel comfortable in tropical weather? What precautions do you
need to take to ensure that your dog stays healthy during the peak hot months (which here, is 10 months of the
year).
Do dogs sweat?
Extremely hot and humid weather is not the most agreeable to your dog.Let’s start with the body temperature.
Normal temperature for a dog is from 37,8°С to 39°С which is higher than an average human’s; And there is an
important and interesting difference between dogs and humans – dogs thermoregulate themselves in a different
way. They don’t sweat in the same way we do. Dogs do have perspiration glands but they work less intensively
than human ones. Paw pads give out the sweat.
Actually, a dog’s thermoregulation works on the principle of water evaporation from the lung surface during
phases of accelerated breathing. Hence, the tongue being out and the relentless panting.
What dogs are in danger of getting a thermal shock?
The reaction to heat and high levels of it varies from breed to breed.
Depending on age, type of fur, size, and health condition your dog can adapt to hot weather better or worse-
Dogs who have short-muzzled faces like Shar-Pei, Pugs and Bulldogs usually go through harder times than
others during the heat and more prone to hyperthermia. Pups under six months are pretty bad at dealing with
heat too.
How should I take care of my dog on super hot days?
- Water: Fresh, clean drinking water should be always available to your pet. At home remember to refill the bowl every day and when outside, don’t forget to take a bottle of water with you for your dog.
- Calorie Restriction: Your dog’s meal should contain fewer calories so it would be easier for him to digest, in the summer.
- Exposure regulation It is important to schedule walks on earlier and later hours of the day when the sun is low as well as the temperature. During daytime don’t take long exhausting walks and don’t do exercises with your dog.
- Muzzle: Avoid puting a muzzle on your pooch during the hot months.
- Car: This may seem obvious but it happens quite a lot: NEVER leave your dog in a car, unattended. If you have to, make sure you crack all the windows.
Keeping it Cool
If there is a cool corner inside your apartments like a tile floor or ventilated room – keep the door open to make
cool space available for your pet. Such place can be a real oasis for your dog but be careful with air conditioners
and fans. Direct flow of cool air onto your can cause hypothermia and pneumonia.
If you and your pet are going to take a trip by car cool water and a towel will be appropriate. If the trip is
supposed to last long, don’t forget to stop from time to time to refresh your four legged friend by moisturizing
his paw pads, chest, belly and armpits areas.
How to recognize a heatstroke?
- elevation of body temperature
- accelerated breathing
- red or contrary pale eyes
- dark color of tongue and gum
- erratic or rapid pulse
- apathy and lack of concentration
- diarrhea or vomiting
- unconsciousness
First aid
- get the dog to a cool place, such as an air-conditioned building or car.
- make a compress for your dog. Put one on head, on armpits and tummy. It will lower the temperature little by little, while pouring cold water on a dog may cause vessel constriction, which is dangerous.
- make sure that you’ve laid your dog in a head-down position.
- Transport the dog to a vet/Emergency vet immediately
- In case if there’s no chance to get vet help quick you will need to give your dog cold water enema.
Here is a link with more exhaustive info on doggie first .aid
http://www.doctordog.com/dogbook/dogheat.html
