LOVE IS BLIND

The dogs had a big father’s day yesterday as Tom and Libby came up from Ft. Myers to visit.  M3 always enjoy company (and extra attention) so this was a nice treat to end what seemed like a very quick weekend.

We’ve been having some real summer temperatures around here lately and I don’t think the dogs are quite acclimated to it (and may never be).  In a first that I’ve never experienced with the dogs they actually decided after about 15 minutes on the back porch (shaded) that they’d rather be in the air-conditioned house than with the humans.  Go figure those fur coats they walk around in aren’t too comfortable in 95 degree heat with 80% humidity.

Which brings me to our lesson or in this case warning for the day.  Tomorrow is the first day of summer, so learn from my mistakes when it comes to your dog.  Morgan loves to play ball to the point she will go until she almost passes  out.  We were out playing ball one evening a week or so ago and didn’t play for that long 15 minutes probably.  It was a little over 85 outside and muggy.  I took her back inside and went to start cleaning the pool when I heard a yelp that sounded like one of the dogs hurt themselves. When I ran inside Heather said it was Morgan who was hyper ventilating and panting like crazy.  Immediately we realized she had overheated and close to heat stroke.  Heather called the vet and they said to cool her off with wet towels or the hose so I took her outside and started to hose her off but our water comes out about 90 degrees from the spigot. So I stopped that and we took cool wet towels and wrapped her head and used ice cubes around her ears.  Her temp was around 105 and dropped quickly but it was pretty scary. 

Be mindful that they don’t know when to say when so we have to.  It’s more inconvenient but exercise early in the morning during these months.  And watch for the signs:

Symptoms of Heat Stroke (posted by Clare Bristow on www.dogtopic.com)

If your dog has heat stroke he will progressively show these signs:

• Excessive panting;
• Pale gums, bright red tongue;
• Disorientation and your dog doesn’t respond to his name;
• Increased heart rate;
• Thick saliva;
• Vomiting;
• Breathing difficulties;
• Collapse;
• Coma;
• Death

Have a happy and safe summer.