Bloedel Donovan Dogs

The following comes form Pamela with Canine Spirit- Training for People with Dogs...

HEAT STROKE . . . Prevention and First Aid

Happy Canaday everyone!!! Okay the temperature has gone from 10 degrees to 30 and as much as I'm feeling it . . . my dogs are too.

I thought this is a good opportunity to send a little reminder about what heat stroke looks like and what to do. Heat Stroke is an emergency situation that will require first aid to save the dog's life! First letʼs discuss prevention. Have fresh water available to your dog at all times. Never leave your dog in a hot car! If you must, pick a shady spot, have your windows down on both sides allowing a cross breeze through the vehicle, this prevents a build up of heat. Place a thermometer in the car and know that it is comfortable for your dog. The interior of the car can become an oven! Flat-faced dogs are more prone to heatstroke as are pets with heart or lung diseases and those overweight pets!

Signs & symptoms of heat stroke: rapid, harsh breathing is one of the first symptoms of overheating. The mucous membranes and tongue become bright red and the dog drools. Unrelieved, the dog becomes unsteady, begins to stagger, getting progressively weaker and often starting a bloody diarrhea. The tongue and mucous membranes turn bluish and the dog may collapse into comma and die. The internal body temperature can reach up to
106 F. The throat may swell further impeding breathing and heat release.

Your dog does not have sweat glands over the entire body surface as we do. They have few ways to cool themselves and thus over heat easily and rapidly, faster than humans do.

Control the amount of water your dog drinks at a time. If they have been running and exercising do NOT allow them to gulp down large amounts of water.

1. Emergency treatment:
   The emergency treatment for heat stroke is to remove the dog to a shady & cooler area. Use shadows if necessary such as your carʼs.
2. Wet the dog down with water. Apply continuously, cooling the body as much as possible. Reduce the internal temperature down to 102 before moving, Place ice packs around the body and head during transport to the veterinarian. 

Puppycles

My dogs love spending a hot afternoon with one of these Kool treats. 

The size of the mould depends on the size of your dog.  An ice cube tray or a larger recycled sour cream container? Youʼve probably got the perfect something in the kitchen that will work! (Depending on the individual dogʼs diets) Almost fill the container with a natural flavor broth such as beef liver or a chicken. You can use plain water too. Drop in the special treats your dog loves. The treats will usually sink to the bottom. Place the container in the freezer until frozen. Remove from the mould and present it to your dog friend.