Be prepared for summer

By Karen Mark from Delta Flyball Club

Throughout summer we hope for sun, but with a British summer we should always be prepared for a slight chance of rain. This can mean an increase in the number of snakes surfacing to flee a flooded den or to cool down.

The majority of the snakes in this country are completely non-venomous, however we do have the common adder or common viper as it is also known. Most of us will never see one in our lifetime in the wild as they tend to keep themselves to themselves.

The change between damp and dry has meant that the adder comes out to bask in the sun and is therefore more unprotected and vulnerable. As we tend to talk our dogs in wooded areas, near brush and undergrowth our dogs are in danger of accidently disturbing the basking adder. If not dealt with quickly an adder bite can be potentially fatal to a dog and veterinary treatment should be sort immediately. Treatment will be pain relief and a course of antibiotics for the injury which is likely to be two painful bleeding puncture wounds.

Heatstroke

Snakes are not the only concern for dogs. All too often, dogs are left in the car with an inch of window open thinking this is all they need. Dogs do not sweat like we do, therefore find it harder to lose heat than we do. Dogs lose heat through panting, they pull in cool air and heat it up through their body temperature. If trapped in a hot car, there is no cool air. On average, the temperature in a hot car will be 10 degrees higher than outside. Dogs only need to have a body temperature two degrees higher than normal for it to be harmful to their health.

A dog suffering from heatstroke will display several signs; rapid panting, bright red tongue, vomiting – sometimes with blood. The dog should be removed from the hot area immediately. Prior to taking him to your vet, lower his temperature by wetting him thoroughly with cool water NOT VERY COLD WATER (for very small dogs, use lukewarm water), then increase air movement around him with a fan.

CAUTION: Using very cold water can actually be counterproductive. Cooling too quickly and especially allowing his body temperature to become too low can cause other life-threatening medical conditions. Even if the dog appears to be recovering, take him to your vet as soon as possible. He should still be examined since he may be dehydrated or have other complications. Allow free access to water or a children’s rehydrating solution if the dog can drink on his own. DO NOT try to force-feed cold water; the dog may inhale it or choke.

Any pet that cannot cool himself off is at risk for heatstroke. Following these guidelines can help prevent serious problems.

• Keep pets with predisposing conditions like heart disease, obesity, older age or breathing problems cool and in the shade. Even normal activity for these pets can be harmful.
• Provide access to water at all times.
• Make sure outside dogs have access to shade.
• On a hot day, restrict exercise and do not take your dog jogging with you. Too much exercise when the weather is very hot can be dangerous.
• Do not muzzle your dog so tightly it cannot pant.
• Avoid places like the beach and especially concrete or asphalt areas where heat is reflected and there is no access to shade.
• Wetting down your dog with cool water or allowing him to swim can help maintain a normal body temperature. Pump and spray garden bottles are an excellent way to wet your dog. They can hold about two gallons. You can mist or soak them down.