Mad Dogs and Englishmen go out in the Midday Sun...

Its noon, there is very little shade and the sun is baking the tar and sidewalks, you put on your heavy sweater,
fluffy scarf and run barefoot into the midday sun, it's 40 degrees out there, are you crazy?

These hot summer months affect your furry friend in much the same way it affects you, they may be
struck with heat stroke, suffer sun burn and be bothered by pesky pests, not to mention the boredom of
wondering what to do, cooped up inside when going to the mall is not an option.

His body and how he keeps cool.

How does your dog cope when he is not curled up in front of the big screen TV with the AC on 23?
Well he sweats and pants, that’ right, sweat-pants are your dog’s first line of defense against the heat…

Unlike you, he only has a few sweat glands under his paws, the upside is that he doesn’t get those embarrassing sweat spots; the downside is that if you think about it, these sweat glands are pretty ineffective in cooling him down, particularly when he is strutting his stuff on the hot pavement.

So, panting is his most effective defense against the heat. Panting aids in getting cooler blood to all parts of his body, particularly his brain which is the most heat sensitive part of his body. So when his tongue is hanging out, it means his internal cooling system is powered up. His tongue plays a vital role in keeping cool and he must be able to pant. While his tongue is dangling out more saliva evaporates from its surface. The result is, his tongue, mouth and the blood vessels in his head are cooled down, oh and he gets thirsty, so let him drink, a lot. The cooled blood circulates through his body cooling him down from the inside, like an AC, and helping him maintain his normal body temperature.

Hot tips for Summer

Beware of heatstroke, make sure he has access to a cool shady spot at all times, keep a constant supply of cool clean water available and if you suspect he is suffering from Heat Stroke get him to the vet immediately. Symptoms will include very and excessive panting, listlessness and disorientation and even vomiting.

Don’t let him get sunburned, this is particularly pertinent to our paler pals and those with the cute pink ears and noses, speak to your vet about the precautions you can take, but make sure you dog has access to shade at all times and try not to expose him to prolonged periods in the sun.

Heat and humidity encourages pesky pests, so check your dog regularly for fleas, ticks and mites and remember to keep his bedding clean to discourage any uninvited summer vacationers.

Summer days can take their toll especially when your dog is used to a routine romp outside or long walk, remember, don’t over exert him in the heat, try to walk early in the morning or evening, take a bottle of cool fresh water along and a bowl, if you’re cool you can get one of those awesome doggy water bottles from the pet shop, but makes sure you both stay hydrated!

If you pal is partial to water, set up a baby pool or fill up a large basin with water for him to have a dip, but supervise him especially around deep swimming pools and restrict access in case he takes a dive when you are not around, also be sure that he can find his way out on his own.

What about a sharp new look for summer; consider a hair cut for your mutt.

Rudyard Kipling said that “Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun.” No offence intended to either dogs or Englishmen but to me, the line reminds me that our furry friends would follow us anywhere, even into the midday sun, mad as it seems. So be cool this summer and take good care of your best friend.

A note on the Felines…

Besides the embarrassing sweaty paw thing they also have going on, but don’t tell the dogs… cats have developed additional strategies for coping with the heat, oh yes, and then there’s the panting, they do that too… again, don’t tell the dogs!

They are to be found lounging all day in cool shady spots, leisurely licking their fur, this works in the same was that sweating does for us; the saliva evaporates off the fur, cooling the surface. These long baths also keep them looking ravishing! Lounging may run into some trouble if the shade moves and the cat doesn’t… cats have been reported to fall victim to heat stroke and sunburn.

So keep an eye on them too and make sure they can avail of all the required amenities, shade, cool clean water and an agreeable spot to nap away the hot, lazy summer days.

Article written by
Janet Pompeo,
Homely Petz Lead Pet Carer - (Arabian Ranches/Motor City)