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The summer heat is upon us.  Some of us relish the hot temps and others swelter and head for the air conditioned car or house.  The heat affects our pets and your Weimaraner is no exception.

One thing very important to remember is that dogs do not sweat.  Dog’s pant to stay cool. They can get in water to cool off, however, normally they rely on humans to make that possible. With heat another important thing to remember is not to leave your pet in the car even for a few minutes.

Remember even a comfortable 70 degrees temperature may not be cool in ten to fifteen minutes.  If the temperature is on the rise and the sun is hitting the car–temps can skyrocket quickly.  Add your pet’s body heat and you have a warming oven situation.  Be attuned to the temperatures and careful about leaving your pet in the car.  Even with the windows cracked temps rise quickly and your pet can overheat in a short period of time.

Your dog’s internal body temperature normally ranges between 101 – 102 degrees. You should keep a baseline temperature in your health record.  Like with humans some dogs are a little cooler by nature and some a little warmer. It is very smart to learn to take your dog’s temperature.  This can alert you the severity of the situation.  It can clue you as to whether your pup or dog is in need of Veterinary care.  A rising temp always warrants close monitoring. It gives you an indication that something is awry.  As with humans not every slight jump in temperature is a call for a Vet visit, but it can let you know there is something amiss.

As your pet’s temperature raises, their blood thickens putting extreme stress on their internal organs.  This result can be permanent organ failure, brain death, or heat exhaustion.  The quickness with which this can happen can be startling.  Monitor any pet that shows signs of heat exhaustion closely.

If you find your pet’s temperature above 104 degrees and rising it would be wise to call your Vet and discuss the situation.  At 106 degrees and above the damage can become irreversible.  Quick Veterinary attention might save your pet’s life.  Please do not under estimate how quickly this can happen. Intravenous fluids and medication could save your pet’s life.

If you know your pet is overheated cool them immediately.  Do not use cold water as this might cause shock or other problems but wet them with cool water.  Bring their temperature down slowly.  The very first link below has some signs of heat exhaustion as well as the technique for cooling your pup/dog in an appropriate and effective manner.  It is a matter of life and death.

When the temperatures rise, Veterinary practices inevitably get several heat exhaustion cases.  It is better always to avoid the medical emergency.  If you dog spends a lot of time out in the heat make sure they have shade, protection from the sun, and cool water at all times.  Better yet keep some misters going in that area of the yard to bring the outdoor temperature down. Some dogs will take a dip in a pool and play in the water.  That is all the better.

If you are hunting in super hot weather or you see your hunting companion exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion please stop.  Use some water to cool them off and get them to a cooler place and rest.  Even the pursuit of game is not worth your pet’s life.

Take exercise together during the cooler time of day–early morning or late night.  If the heat is extreme, skip exercise all together until temps cool or take it to the water.  Water retrieving can be a very fun exercise on a hot day.

We hope you will take time to explore the many links we have provided. Although there is some informational-lap-over, there are some pretty amazing pointers.  Everyone can use the reminder and ideas for keeping your pets safe from summer heat.

In truth, we have always feared the heat more than the cold.  You can put a coat on your Weimaraner and even some boots, but they cannot carry a personal fan around.  Enjoy the summer and be safe!  ~ Shela and Cliff

http://dogs.suite101.com/article.cfm/dogs_and_heat_stroke

http://www.vetinfo.com/dheatstroke.html

http://tinyurl.com/px9ppo

http://westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=17484

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/06/02/petshotcar0602.html

http://dogs.about.com/od/dogcarebasics/a/keeping_cool.htm

http://phoenix.about.com/od/animvet/a/dogsheat_2.htm

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/heat.htm

We hope this helps you find solutions to the summer heat …

Note: If you are part of the extended OwyheeStar family or are on our waiting list, then please feel free to share your pointers, experiences, or helpful hints.  I am sure everyone would appreciate your thoughts.