With an ongoing heat wave, and cooling shelters being opened in the city for humans, it’s important to remember our pets’ safety as well. Here at the Richmond SPCA, where we’re caring for 112 dogs, many of whom are housebroken (or working on those skills), we’ve adapted their walking schedule so they don’t go out in during the hottest times of day. Yesterday, our Running Buddies – volunteers who provide additional exercise for some of our pooches – program had to be adjusted for the temperature. The first run group run started at 6 a.m. and the second at 8:15 a.m. to stay ahead of the heat. A water station is set up at the half-way point on the 5K course, and at the end of the course, a wading pool gives the dogs a place to splash around and cool off. We’re also seeking water bottle belts so our runners can carry a fresh supply of water for themselves and the dogs.

For your dogs at home, if at all possible, keep them indoors during the hottest times of day. Modify their exercise routine to ensure they don’t over-exert themselves. While outside, make sure they have access to shade and fresh water. It’s a good rule of thumb that if you’re uncomfortable, your pal wearing the full-body fur coat feels it worse than you. Remember, he can only release heat through his tongue and the pads of his feet.

Additional tips:
• When walking or jogging with your dog, stay on the grass or concrete sidewalks and away from the blacktop as much as possible, as the asphalt is typically much hotter and has more debris that could potentially injure your pet’s paws.
• Do not overexert your dog.  If your pet has been ill or injured recently, undergone surgery, is aged or significantly overweight, or has known cardiovascular disease, start slowly and increase your pace over time.
• If your dog is a braciocephalic breed (such as a pug, Boston terrier, or boxer), he or she may be more prone to heatstroke due to the conformation of his or her nose and face.  Make sure you provide your pet with plenty of breaks and water stops.
• Heatstroke is a serious, often unexpected problem.  Some of the more common signs of heatstroke are excessive panting, drooling, bright red tongue/gums, swollen tongue and eventual collapse.  If you think your dog is experiencing signs of heatstroke, stop and seek veterinary attention immediately.  Offer your pet plenty of water and then fan.
• Your dog should not exercise after a meal in high heat.
• Do not allow your dog to drink large amounts of water too quickly before or after exercising.  In some dogs, especially larger breeds or those with deep, narrow chests, this can cause a serious condition called bloat.  Signs could include attempts to vomit with no production, a distended abdomen, shock and collapse.  Seek veterinary attention immediately if you are concerned about your pet.
• Keep your dog out of a parked car. Even with the windows cracked on a 75 degree day, the car temperature can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.
• Dogs can get sunburn just like humans.  Use sunscreen.  A good hypoallergenic product should be used on noses and other exposed areas. 

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