Ludhiana: Experts from Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University are urging pet owners to take immediate precautions against summer heat, which can lead to irreversible organ damage and fatal heat stroke in dogs. A dog's normal body temperature ranges between 100.5°F and 102.5°F, but exercising on hot, humid days can quickly push it to a lethal 105°F or 106°F.
Why Dogs Overheat Easily
Dogs regulate their body temperature primarily through panting and heat dissipation via skin blood vessels. This makes them prone to overheating even when drinking water is available. Black-colored and long-haired breeds are especially susceptible to severe heat stress.
Restrict Outdoor Activity to Cooler Hours
Dr. Raj Sukhbir Singh from the university's teaching hospital advises pet owners to restrict walks to cooler hours—early morning or late evening. He warns that walking dogs on excessively hot pavement can cause severe burns to their foot pads. Leaving pets unattended inside parked vehicles is extremely dangerous, as interior car temperatures can skyrocket within minutes even with windows cracked open.
Additional Precautions
- Keep dogs in well-shaded areas.
- Avoid vigorous exercise entirely.
- Clip the coats of long-haired breeds.
- Use cooling options like sprinklers, tubs, or kiddie pools.
- Ensure constant access to fresh water.
Summer also brings a heightened risk of external parasites like ticks and fleas, making professional veterinary consultation for preventive care essential.
Emergency Measures for Heat Stroke
If a dog's temperature begins to climb, owners must treat it as a life-threatening emergency. Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately and initiate cooling measures during transit. Cool the dog by applying cool water specifically around the neck, armpits, and groin. Use fans or car air vents to lower temperature, and offer small quantities of cool drinking water.
Crucially, avoid using ice or ice-cold water. Extreme cold causes blood vessels to constrict, which paradoxically traps heat inside the body and delays recovery.
