Dog Community

Winston's Burning up!

Posted : 3/27/2007 1:34:15 PM

So we are having record setting high's here in detroit (mid to upper 70's, which for late march is really strange) . . . .

So Winston is obviously loving the outdoors right now as its nice, sunny, and warm out . . . the thing is that he starts panting like crazy the entire time he's out there and for a good half hour after he comes in . . . and he's just walking around out there!

My guess is that he's still got his winter coat on and isn't able to efficiently cool himself yet, but I wanted to run this by some of you to see what you think.

Poisoning did cross my mind, and I've scoured the yard for anything I could find . . . nothing. His pulse is normal, eyes look fine, he's alert, and not really acting strange . . . its just this panting. his nose is also warm and dry.

Jilly's Virtuos

Posted : 3/27/2007 1:38:28 PM

I thnk you've got it about his winter coat! as long as he's not out there very long and he's got shade and water! He shouldn't be out there longer than 20 minutes if he's got his winter coat and remember don't shave it or nothing because it'll probably get colder again.

seashell

Posted : 3/27/2007 1:59:35 PM

My dog was like that yesterday too. It 80 degrees near Milwaukee. I tried to give her extra water, but I think she was panting more because of excitement about being outside than being too warm. I couldn't believe how many other people were out yesterday and how many birds are already back. I am so ready for spring.

sl2crmeg

Posted : 3/27/2007 2:38:16 PM

at the dog day care I work at some dogs will roughhouse for a while and pant for a good half hour. We have a big fan for them to lay in front of [

] and they seem to like that.

someone posted a link to one of those coolie bandana things a while ago...

janet_rose

Posted : 3/27/2007 5:11:04 PM

Here are a few of the cooling products that are available:

Cooling mat     [linkhttp://www.dog.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=020625+XS]www.dog.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=020625+XS[/link]
Canine cooler dog bed
[linkhttp://www.sitstay.com/store/equip/eq5.shtml]www.sitstay.com/store/equip/eq5.shtml[/link]
Ice treat maker   [linkhttp://www.dog.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=340700]www.dog.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=340700[/link]
Cooling bandana   [linkhttp://tinyurl.com/35phuk]http://tinyurl.com/35phuk[/link]  (Foster & Smith)
OnIceBags     [linkhttp://www.onicebags.com]www.onicebags.com[/link]
Dog house air conditioner     [linkhttp://www.petcool.com/products.htm]www.petcool.com/products.htm[/link]
RPCM cooling vest   [linkhttp://www.helpingudders.com/CoolingVests.htm][font="times new roman"]www.helpingudders.com/CoolingVests.htm[/link][/font]
Cool K-9 cooling vest/jacket
[linkhttp://www.petstreetmall.com/Cool-K9-Dog-Cooling-Jacket/4173/1590]www.petstreetmall.com/Cool-K9-Dog-Cooling-Jacket/4173/1590[/link]
CoolChampions K9 cooling vest
[linkhttp://www.coolingapparel.com/shop/ap/K9_HV.htm]www.coolingapparel.com/shop/ap/K9_HV.htm[/link]

Since summer is coming, here are some general ideas for people to think about:

Shade cloth - garden center or home improvement store
Lixit Faucet Waterer - [linkhttp://www.target.com][font="times new roman"]www.target.com[/link][/font]
Plastic kiddee wading pool
Mister systems - [linkhttp://www.homedepot.com]www.homedepot.com[/link]

Note: One study reports that when the outside temperature is 78 degrees F, a closed car will reach 90 degrees F in five minutes, and 110 degrees F in 25 minutes.

From [linkhttp://www.kerryblues.info]www.kerryblues.info[/link]

[font=verdana]Any time a dog's tongue is all the way out, purplish and engorged, and the breathing is fast and hard, suspect heat stress and cool the dog off by:
#1 removing the dog from the hot area (take it inside, for example, or at least into the shade) and
#2 plunge the front paws and forelegs into an ice-and water bath.

Bird hunters use 5 gallon plastic buckets for this. Dump a grocery store bag of ice in and fill with water. Lift the dog under the brisket and just plunge the legs and feet in - even for a moment. Dogs are able to exchange a lot of heat through the paws and legs. This method does not shock the circulatory system like trying to plunge the dog's whole body into cold water does. DON'T LET A DOG DRINK THE ICE WATER which will probably cause them to regurgitate and lose valuable fluids and electrolytes.

#3 offer room temperature water after cooling the dog
#4 don't work the dog for at least 2 days after heat stress occurs

[/font]

Truley

Posted : 3/27/2007 5:59:29 PM

I am running into the same issue with Kord, and still being a puppy it is hard to slow him down in the heat. I have taken to playing with the hose for him to cool off, as long as I don't add soap we are good.

After the soaking I get him settled down then it is into the house for some water and then he goes into his crate, which is in our room and under the fan, im not a fan of the heat myself so that part of the house is cooler, the crate keeps him from getting all excited from any activities I have planned and lets him dry off.

Dawn

Debbie R

Posted : 3/27/2007 6:16:12 PM

Yeah my guys were the same way today, it's the coat thing.