The only way for a dog to lower its body temperature is through panting.  When your dog’s body temperature increasing your dog must pant faster. When exposed to extreme heat for long periods of time, your dog’s body may not be able to keep up with the cooling required to prevent heat stroke.

Just providing your dog with cool water may not be enough.  Do you know the signs of heat stroke? Would you know what to do if your dog is showing signs of distress? Please read this article by Marcia King.

Stay cool!

• Please make sure that you don’t leave your dog out in the sun for extended periods of time.
• If your backyard doesn’t contain a shady spot consider adding some type of shade.
• Keep your dog’s water bowl full of cool, clean water at all times.
• Protect your dogs sensitive paw pads from hot pavement or overheated patios and decks.
• Cover fair dogs with sunscreen on their noses and ears.
• Dogs that drink sea water can become very ill. Rinse your dog off thoroughly after swimming in the surf.
• Beach sand can be as hot as pavement. If your feet are burning so are your dogs paws!
• And please, please never leave your dog in the car unattended on a hot day. Even for a few minutes, even if you have left the air conditioning on and the car running. No matter how many times we say it many dogs loose their lives every summer because of this foolishness!
• And the best tip of all…take your dog out for some summer fun. Dogs love summer too!

Don’t have one? Pick up a waterproof plastic box, and stock it with these essentials:
1. Vital Stats — Write down your dog’s name, breed, and date of birth; any medical conditions and allergies he has; and any medications he’s taking (including doses). If he’s been micro-chipped, jot down the number. Also include your home address and phone number; your vet’s name and phone number; and your emergency vet clinic’s phone number. Include this information in your kit. It is a good idea to put it in a zip lock bag.

I have our dog Guinness’ information in this handy book. Not only is it good in an emergency kit. It helps when he has to be boarded or if we travel. These booklets are airline approved.

2. Important Records — Make photocopies of important health records, including vaccinations, and seal them in a plastic bag inside your kit.

3. Basic Supplies — Fill the rest of your kit with alcohol wipes, gauze, cotton balls, nonstick bandages, hydrogen peroxide, scissors, adhesive tape, cotton swabs, tweezers, an eyedropper, hand sanitizer or soap, a digital thermometer, a pair of latex gloves, and a tube of both topical first-aid cream and antibiotic ointment.

A wide range of first aid kits are available at Brown Dog Treasures. There are specialized kits for small dogs, large dogs, active dogs, field kits for hunting dogs as well as a feline kit for our beloved kitties!

Also, look into taking a pet first-aid class. After all, learning how to handle accidents is the best way to help your dog stay safe.

Here are some resources:

• American Red Cross of Greater NY
• Long Island Rescue Services
• Austin Pets First Aid
• Canine First Aid
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Canine First Aid Training

Not all dogs enjoy the excitement that comes along with the holiday. Many dogs are frightened at the sight of human in costume.

1.  Keep a firm grip on your dog with a well constructed leash. Check your dog’s leash for signs of wear and tear that may have occurred over the summer months.

2.  Make sure your dog’s ID tags are current. Some dogs tend to bolt and run when the front door is opened for Trick or Treaters.

3.  If you are not Trick or Treating with your dog, keep him indoors during the hours when Trick or Treaters are parading the streets. There have been reports of taunting and theft of pets during this time of year. Keep your pet safe and out of harm’s way.

4.  Keep your dog out of the candy bowl! Note: Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause nerve damage and even death in dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more concentrated it is — and the smaller the lethal dose.

5.  Explain to everyone in the house, especially children, the dangers of sharing their candy with the dog.

6.  Supervise your pet at all times when wearing Halloween costumes. These costumes are cute and meant to be fun, but they are not dog toys. Parts of a costume can be chewed off by your dog and cause choking hazards.

7.  Keep candles, jack ‘o lanterns and other Halloween decoration out of reach of your dog.

8.  Symptoms of chocolate poisoning: excessive drooling, excessive urination, pupil dilation, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors or seizures. Get emergency medical help immediately.

9.  Keep a First Aid Kit available at all times. Print out this Animal CPR Brochure and keep on hand with your first aid kit.

Read past issues of the Brown Dog Treasures Monthly Newsletters.