Heat Stress and Heat Stroke

Hot and humid weather is common in the summer. With this type of weather, we all take precautions to prevent ourselves from becoming overheated during daily activities. It is also important that we as pet owners take similar precautions for our pets. We would like to inform pet owners of the potential problems and clinical signs associated with overheating and remind owners how to avoid these problems.

Dogs and cats differ from humans in the way they dissipate heat. Humans can easily sweat which cools the body as it evaporates. Dogs and cats unfortunately lack the ability to produce significant sweat. To cool their bodies, dogs and cats must pant (which is not as effective as sweating) or seek shade/shelter from the heat. Because of this some pets may be more likely to suffer heat stroke. Those pets would include any breed which has impaired breathing (such as the bulldog, Boston terrier, pug, etc...), obese pets, thick hair coat breeds (Husky, Malamute, etc.), dogs with dark hair coats, and animals which may be unable to find shelter from the heat ( those left in automobiles, exercised during hot, humid days or left in fenced backyards with no shelter). Dogs do not need to be exercising to become over heated.

Animals suffering from heat stroke may show an number of signs. Excessive panting is one of the earliest signs. Dogs that are not able to reduce body temperature by panting can develop move advanced signs of heat stroke including: labored breathing, fast heart rates, bounding pulses and dark red gums which are dry to the touch. As heat stroke progresses the animal may progress into severe depression, seizures, shock and coma. They may also develop multiple organ failure during this stage, and die.

Heat stroke is preventable. First, never leave your pet in your automobile on a sunny warm (or hot) day. Even sunny days in early spring or late fall can be warm enough to cause problems if an animal is left inside an automobile. The temperature inside your car can reach over 150 degrees in less than 5-10 minutes. Leaving the windows down several inches does little to prevent the elevation of temperature. Avoid exercising your pet during the hottest periods of the day. Allow your pet access to plenty of water, shade, wading pools or even indoor areas on hot, humid days. If you suspect your pet is becoming overheated, cool your pet by bringing it indoors, providing plenty of water or even lightly spraying it down with water and cooling it with a fan. If your pet is showing signs of heat stroke it is vitally important that you seek veterinary attention immediately. Even with aggressive medical therapy and support, the complications of heat stroke claim many pets' lives.

If you have further questions regarding heat stroke, do not hesitate consulting your veterinarian.

Congenital and Genetic Conditions found with greater than average frequency in the Basset Hound :

Achondroplasia,  Acute moist dermatitis,  Addisons Disease,  Addisons disease (hypoadrenocorticism),  Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia,  Behavioral Abnormalities,  Bloat,  Canine Hyperlipidemia,  Cherry Eye (Eversion of nictitating membrane),  Combined immunodeficiency,  Cryptorchidism,  Degenerative Spondylolisthesis,  Ectropion,  Entropion  Eosinophilic Panosteitis,  Epilepsy,  Gastric Torsion,  Glaucoma,  Globoid Cell, Leukodystrophy,  Hemophilia - Factor VII Deficiency,  Hemophilia A - Classic Hemophilia,  Inguinal Hernia,  Intussusception,  Lens Luxation,  Osteochondritis Dissecans,  Osteochondrosis,  Patellar Luxation,  Persistent Pupillary Membrane,  Platelet Disorders,  Progressive Retinal Atrophy,  Selective Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Deficiency,  Selective Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Deficiency,  Third Cervical Vertebra Anomaly,  Thrombocytopathy,  Umbilical Hernia,  von Willebrands Disease

Assembly Bill 2110 was recently amended and the new language will affect certain AKC sanctioned events.

The bill will prohibit "live lure coursing," which is now defined as "a competition in which dogs are, by the use of rabbits, hares, or foxes, assessed as to skill in hunting live rabbits, hares, or foxes."

If we are talking a young puppy 3-4 month you actually do not want to stop them from nipping what you want to do is to teach "bite Inhibition"  that is so when later in life they come into a situation in which they are forced to bite they do so withouth harming any one  her is a link how on how to teach it and why it is important
Bite Inhibition - How to Teach It

with an older teething pup you want to work toward ending all mouthing of humans but keep in mind chewing is an imporant an necessary outlet for the pup.  Generally what works well for most is a technique know as substitution.  When the dog is chewing on something inappropriate, human , couch etc.  the first step is to stop the behavior.  Usually a large sharp verbal is enough something like "No" but it does not have to be.  The purpose is not to punish the dog but to distract the dog from what he is doing  a "disruptive Stimulus"  then in that monemt give the dog something approprate to chew on. When he does reward him verbally, petting or both.   Also do forget to reward the dog when ever you see him chew on an appropriate chew toy.

Insights Into Puppy Mouthing

Dealing with Normal Puppy Behavior: Chewing

Puppy Plaqy Biting

Managing Your Dog’s Behavior

Exercises to Reduce Jumping Up

Diapers & Dogs: A Guide for New Parents & Parents-to-be

TEACHING SELF CONTROL

IT TAKES A PACK TO RAISE A PUPPYUnderstanding what a puppy expects and needs from his family.

P.S. we've used the ignoring (which is very difficult while teething are cutting into skin)

The point is not to ignore the behavior it is to ignore the dog.   so the technique (used often by lttermates)  when puppy nips 1. scream, yelp etc like you are going to die.  2. get up and walk away from the dog,

something else your family may want to consider

"You Won the Prize!"