Dog Days of Summer

Don't Let Your Pooch Get Parched

By Dr. Ruben Castro

The first official day of summer was June 20th this year, but as of early May, it seemed like it has already arrived. With the elevated humidity levels in the RGV, the real-feel temperatures have been over 110°F. These are deadly temperatures for anyone, especially our furry companions. As a responsible dog owner, your role in preventing your dog from dehydrating and overheating is crucial. Using common sense and following the advice from Your Dog Magazine and DogVacay, here are some tips on how to recognize the symptoms of dehydration and overheating in dogs and how to take immediate action.

When a dog is dehydrated, several symptoms may become noticeable. These include:

1. Dry mouth and gums, accompanied by thick saliva.

2. A chapped nose.

3. Sunken eyes.

4. Lethargic head movement.

5. A warm back to the touch.

6. Parched skin that lacks elasticity.

7. Very dark, concentrated urine.

8. Wobbliness and unsteadiness on their feet.

9. Vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

10. Excessive panting.

Monitoring for these signs can help identify dehydration early and ensure timely veterinary care.

1. Signs of a heatstroke:

2. Excessive panting

3. Drooling

4. Vomiting

5. Diarrhea

6. Lethargy

7. Increased heart rate

8. Seizure

Tips to help keep your dog safe in very hot weather:

1. Walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day, which is early morning or late evening

2. Always provide them with fresh water, ensure they have plenty of shade

3. Avoid leaving your dog in a parked car

4. Avoid walking your dog on hot pavements, as their paw pads can easily burn

5. Keep your dog out of direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time

Flat-faced dogs, such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers, are at higher risk for issues in extreme heat. Another population to keep an eye out for are senior dogs and obese dogs. If you think your dog is dehydrated or overheated, you should try to move them to a cool place away from the sun and encourage them to drink water. You can also try wrapping their paws in ice packs or wrapping them in a towel soaked in cold water. If your dog isn’t drinking water or has passed out, you should seek immediate veterinary care. A veterinarian can administer fluids and take other appropriate action.

Dr. Castro is a proud Catholic who is a husband, father, and educator born and raised in the RGV. He is a graduate of Northcentral University with a doctorate in Education with a specialization in Educational Leadership. He also holds a Master of Science in Sociology from the University of Texas-Pan American and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, with a minor in Psychology from the University of Texas-Pan American. Dr. Castro’s current research focuses on Education, Crime and Deviance, and Race and Ethnicity. He is also the owner of the K&B Dog Learning Cener, Inc. www.kbdoglearningcenter.com