Vet offers tips on how to protect dogs from the heat

While daily highs hover around the 30-degree mark in Regina, Saskatoon and much of the province, one veterinarian is urging caution when it comes to walking your dog.

Dr. Lesley Sawa, a vet at the Animal Clinic of Regina, said dogs just aren’t capable of handling the heat.

“They don’t sweat like we do. They sweat by panting and they sweat through their paws. If they can’t get that heat burned off, they can get heat stroke. That’s extremely serious; they can die from it,” she explained.

The symptoms are very noticeable and require immediate attention.

“Your animal will be staggering, panting uncontrollably, having difficulty breathing,” she said.

There are some methods you can use to buy some time while you get to the vet.

“You can always put ice packs in their armpits, covered so it’s not directly on the skin … You can also put isopropyl alcohol on their paws, which helps the heat dissipate. Then you have to get them to the clinic immediately, because usually they need to be put on IV fluids and cooled down,” Sawa explained.

The best prevention solution is to be strategic with your timing when taking them for walks or exercise outdoors.

“Going very early in the morning or later at night is appropriate. If your dog wants to be outside during those very hot times, providing shade and water for them is very important,” she said.

While caution is important no matter what type of dog you have, some breeds can be more vulnerable or have a lower ceiling of heat tolerance.

“Dogs that have the squished-in noses and difficulty breathing like pugs are quite sensitive to heat,” Sawa said. “Also older animals (can be more sensitive), but every animal can get heat stroke.”