Dogs need special care over hot, noisy holiday weekend

By Drew Foster, Herald staff writer

When is a hot dog too hot?

Lethargy is a good indicator.

With weekend temperatures expected to reach triple digits, local pet owners are encouraged to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe and comfortable.

"The biggest concern is poor providence of shade and access to cool, clean water," said Kristina Ripplinger, a veterinary technician with the Animal Hospital of Pasco.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory from this afternoon until 8 p.m. Sunday for the Lower Columbia Basin as temperatures were expected to reach or surpass 100 degrees. The highest temperatures were forecast at Hanford, the weather service said.

A heat advisory is issued when temperatures are expected to exceed the century mark for a prolonged period. Unsettled and much cooler weather is expected Monday through Thursday, with temperatures dropping back into the 80s in the region, the weather service said.

Outdoor dogs are the biggest concern when temperatures climb, Ripplinger said. Cats are more mobile and can find cool crawl spaces, she added, and indoor dogs often benefit from human comforts, like fans, air conditioners and ventilated rooms.

Ripplinger said early signs of heat stroke include lethargy, stumbling or a "drunken appearance."

"It's very similar to what we see when humans become dehydrated or overheated," she said.

Besides providing shady areas and cool, clean water, she said baby pools also can provide water-loving pooches with a respite from the heat. Panting, she said, is normal and shouldn't be confused with early signs of heat stroke.

"We want them to pant, dogs don't sweat," she said. "Their way of sweating is panting."

Ripplinger also warned pet owners against leaving animals alone in cars, even if the window is cracked. "Even a cracked window is not adequate to let the air circulate," she said. "It's not even recommended to take dogs out."

If your dog does show signs of heat stroke and you can't get it to a veterinarian, Ripplinger recommended moving the dog to a cool area, possibly a bathtub, and placing ice or ice packs around its abdomen and underneath its chest.

Besides the heat, Ripplinger said pet owners should prepare to comfort their animals, especially the overanxious, during Fourth of July fireworks. The veterinary technician recommended putting dogs in a bedroom where they'll be insulated from the noise outside.

She said dogs left outdoors may attempt to run away from the noises, which can cause injuries to the animal and heartache for families.

"It's guaranteed there will be some lost dogs over the next few days," she said.

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Saturday, Jul. 04, 2009

Dogs need special care over hot, noisy holiday weekend

By Drew Foster, Herald staff writer