Dr. Walsh's Summer Advice - Pet Talk Magazine Article

http://www.houstonpettalk.com/health/summer-is-here-follow-this-good-summer-advice/

Summer is one of my favorite seasons because there are numerous fun activities for us and our dogs! However, as our dog’s guardians it is our responsibility to be mindful of both their body temperature and hydration level in the same way we are conscious of our own.

I have several recommendations to ensure your dog’s safety. Try to avoid walking during the hottest part of the day. Hot surfaces can cause paw pad burns and increase the chances of heat stroke. Even more important is to give your dog plenty of water breaks. Hydration not only prevents overheating but is also critical for overall organ function. Often you will find overheated dogs panting but unwilling to drink water. This is when you need add REPLENISH to their water to not only entice drinking but accelerate their recovery.

There are a few ways to tell if your dog is dehydrated. First, try touching their gums - they should be moist and slimy and not sticky to the touch. Another test is to lift the skin on top of their neck - it should quickly snap back to its original position. Lastly, you can examine your dog’s eyes, if they appear sunken that can indicate severe dehydration.

If your dog becomes dehydrated and overheated, they can potentially develop a heat stroke. A dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 100.5 – 102.5 degrees F. However, if they are in hot, humid weather or left in a hot car, they can quickly become overheated. Be aware that obese dogs and breeds with shorter noses are more prone to overheating. Signs of a heat stroke include excessive panting, restlessness, hypersalivation, disorientation, and bright red gums. If you see these symptoms attempt the following: move your dog to a cool environment, cool your dog by wetting their stomach, paw pads, and ears or place cold towels over them, offer small amounts of water, however if they will not drink immediately add REPLENISH to the water to entice consumption and aid recovery. If they do not recover or have a temperature over 105, this is an emergency and needs to be treated by a veterinarian.

Please be safe, have fun and check out Replenish Water Supplement to keep your dog hydrated and healthy!