Don’t exercise your dogs on hot days, warn University of Melbourne vets

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

University of Melbourne - AU

Dog owners risk giving their pets heat stress and heat stroke by continuing to exercise them on very hot days, University of Melbourne veterinarians have warned.

Dr Kylie Kelers, Registrar in Emergency and Critical Care at the University of Melbourne Vet Clinic and Hospital in Werribee, said veterinarians were concerned to see so many people out running with or towing dogs behind bicycles on hot days.

“Dog owners seem to have got the message not to leave their dogs in cars on hot days,’’ Dr Kelers said.

“But it is surprising how many people we see vigorously exercising their dogs on hot days.

“Exercise on hot days should be limited to walking at a comfortable pace, wading or swimming.

“Elderly dogs, dogs with very thick coats and stubby-nosed dogs such as pugs and bulldogs are particularly at risk.’’

Dr Kelers said dogs overheated very quickly - particularly in Melbourne’s highly changeable weather – but cannot cool down quickly.

“Dogs must have access to shade and ample fresh water during hot weather,’’ Dr Kelers said. “Ideally they should rest at the warmest time of the day.’’

Dr Kelers said signs of heat stress in dogs included thick saliva, unrelenting panting, frothing at the mouth and feeling hot to touch.

Dr Kelers said if a pet owner suspects their dog has overheated they should contact a veterinarian immediately.

“Delay in treatment can lead to irreparable damage to a dog’s vital organs,’’ she said.

[Shadowkins]

I try , when it is too hot, to walk my boy in the early morning or after sunset. If i drive a little ways for our walk, I always bring water for him to drink... I figure if I get thirsty when it's hot then Shadow will for sure ( he has a fur coat after all ).
Some days are simply too unbearable and we sit and enjoy the AC.
Too many times I have seen people riding their bikes in the oppressive heat with their dogs along ( not that the dog has much choice...the guy is biking holding the leash ..what's the poor dog suppose to do! ) Just wish more people use a little common sense... Oh! well.