Heatstroke: Are Your Dogs at Risk?

Author: Carol Stack
Source: articlecity.com

It is not uncommon to hear about someone who left their dog in a parked car, even for just a few minutes, and came back to find them suffering from heatstroke or already dead.

If temperatures are about 70-80บF a car can heat up to 100บF within minutes. If the temperature is 85บF and the windows are slightly open the temperature inside can reach 102บF in ten minutes and in 30 minutes it can reach 120บF.

On hot and humid days the temperature inside a car parked in the sun can increase more than 30บF each minute. That quickly becomes lethal since at 110บF a dog is in danger of heatstroke.

The best thing you can do is leave your dog at home when you go out on errands. Even if you don’t plan on leaving your dog in the car, there is always the risk that your car’s air conditioning will fail and you and your dog end up driving around in an oven on wheels.

Fresh, cool water and shade are the two most important things for a dog that spends a lot of time outdoors. Dogs dehydrate very quickly and their water bowls need to be refilled several times a day with cool, fresh water.

Another thing you can do is provide a little pool for your dog or let him run through the sprinklers. Some dogs love to cool off with the hose. If you provide a pool, be sure to empty it and refill it often to prevent mosquito larvae from growing.

If your dog is left outside during the day, be sure to provide plenty of shade. Even if your yard is shaded naturally it is important to set up some kind of shelter from the heat. Set it up in the shade of a tree, for example, and make sure that the shelter is large enough so that air can pass through it freely.

Your dog’s footpads are very sensitive to the heat. Hot pavement can cause severe burns. Avoid walking your dog on hot pavement and cool his paws in cool water when you get home from a walk.

Some dog breeds have more problems in the heat than others. Boston Terriers, Pugs, Boxers and other dogs with pushed up snouts have a tougher time in hot weather than others. They will need extra care to make sure they keep comfortable and safe from the heat.

There are other breeds that just aren’t meant to live in areas that reach higher temperatures. These include the St. Bernard, Alaskan Malamute, Huskie, Old English Sheepdog, Newfoundland and any other breed that has a dense, heavy coat.

A visit to the groomer for a nice, short haircut can help these dogs keep comfortable in warmer weather. Other dogs that would feel better with a short summer haircut include dogs with a double coat, such as the Chow and Collie.

If you think your dog has heatstroke, get him or her to the vet immediately. Use cool water, not ice water, to cool your dog. Be careful not to use very cold water as that will cause constriction of the blood vessels and slow down cooling.

Signs of heatstroke include, among other things, a body temperature of 104-110บF, excessive panting, dark or bright red tongue, seizures, bloody diarrhea or vomiting, coma, and death.

If the dog’s temperature is 103บF or lower, do not aid cooling as some animals can get hypothermic. But if your dog is cooled off and seems okay, do not assume everything is fine.

Internal organs can be negatively affected by a rise in body temperature and blood tests and a vet exam are needed to assess any damage. There is a fatal blood problem called DIC that can result from heatstroke.

To best help your dog handle the heat this summer, keep him at home and NOT in a hot car. Make sure he has a steady supply of cool, fresh water and shade, provide him with air conditioning or a wading pool to keep cool in, decrease his amount of exertion, and exercise him and do any dog training in the cooler times of the day. Following these simple steps will ensure that your dog has a happy, healthy summer.

Copyright 2006 Carol Stack

Boston Terrier and Heat Stroke

Author: Richard Cussons
Source: ezinearticles.com

Along with pug and shih tzu, the Boston terrier is considered as brachycephalic dog – dog with short snout, tiny nostrils, long palates and narrow trachea. This made them sensitive to excessive heat as well as extremely cold weather. So if you happen to own a Boston terrier, the fact is clear that they are more likely to suffer from weather-related problems such as heat stroke.

Since dogs don’t have the ability to speak and talk to you when they are sick, knowing the signs and symptoms of a specific problem can help you determine if there is something wrong with Fido. A dog’s temperature is normally between 101 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. A rise of three degrees and above is dangerous to your dog. Early signs of dehydration include heavy panting, hyperventilation or deep breathing and increased salivation and dry gums later on. As the condition progresses towards heat stroke, paleness, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur along with shallowing of the breathing efforts, slowed or absent breathing efforts and worst, seizures or coma.

Knowing these signs is very important because this condition can cause permanent damage to your dog if left without intervention. To treat heat stroke, here are some steps to be taken immediately:

- Transfer your dog to a cool place such as an air conditioned room or a shady place.
- Wet or immerse the dog in cool water or place in front of a fan
- Allow the dog to have small drinks of water every few minutes

If the symptoms persist, take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Heat stroke can be extremely dangerous if you cannot cool down your dog’s temperature within 20 minutes.

Luckily, there are various ways you can do to prevent heat stroke.

- Provide easy access to fresh water everyday
- Wet a dog before doing physical activities or before going out into a hot day
- Keep crates out of direct sunlight

In order to remain on the safe side, it is always recommended not to let a Boston terrier out into a hot day. Physical activities or exercise should be set aside for later or must be done in a less hot location.

Richard Cussons loves various dog breeds such as the Boston terrier. His aim is to help dog owners make Boston terrier training easy and successful.

Straw, Insulation and a Dog House Heater Will Keep Your Pup Warm This Winter

Author: Mary Buckingham
Source: ezinearticles.com

Some simple ideas can help you keep your dog warm this winter. For pet owners who keep their dogs outdoors, even during the cold weather months, there are many ways to help guarantee the well-being of a pet. Today’s modern dog house is a far cry from those of only a decade ago. Today’s well-designed dog house offers more than just your dog’s body heat to keep it warm. Older dogs, with their more fragile health status, need to be especially well taken care of during cold days.

A great way to keep your dog house warm this winter is to purchase and install a heater and air conditioning unit. A dog house heater is a special unit similar to a portable home air conditioning unit. Most of the time, it can double as an air conditioning unit during hot summer months.

Check with your local pet store or do a search on the internet. You can find a dog house heater than operates on electricity, by generator, or both. Unless your dog house is located far from your home, you probably have access to an outdoor electrical outlet. If not, you may be able to have an electrician install one for you. Most pet heaters run several hundred dollars or more.

Upscale pet suppliers often provide comprehensive packages. You may be able to find a pet home with a heater already installed in the home, or at least pre-configured for the future installation of a heater. Sometimes you can save money by buying an all-in-one unit. If budget is especially a concern, shop around and look for bargains or specials.

If a dog house heater is just out of your price range, consider some other ideas to warm your pet during cooler weather. Installing insulation can help provide warmth and put your pet’s own body heat to better use. Some pet owners believe that kennel pads, which are similar to a heating pads used for muscle aches by humans, is an ideal solution to warming a dog house. Some kennel pads can be microwaved and placed in the house. However, their warmth is often temporary and may not be a convenient or reliable source of long-term heat for your pet.

Regardless of your budget or accommodations, position it away from cold blower wind. Some people will locate a dog house next to their clothes dryer exterior vent, so the occasional heat the escapes from the vent and help at least modestly provide warmth to a pet.

Solar use is extending to dog houses as well as homes. The solar unit is similar to a small green house. As the sun heats the roof, the solar energy heats up the house. However, at night the dog only has its own body heat to keep it warm.

Straw, of course, is the traditional approach to keeping pets warm in the winter. Hay should not be used, since it contains weeds, leaves and seeds that can annoy or get into your pets fur. Straw needs to be changed frequently, since dogs tend to carry in moisture and mud, make the straw useless as an insulation device.

With a few simple items, including straw, insulation and a dog house heater, your pet can enjoy a nice, cozy winter home.

Mary Buckingham is a freelance writer. She writes about Dog House Heater

Without A/C, Dog Days are Even Hotter

Author: Todd Arend
Source: articlemarketer.com

Summer is a great time of the year. There’s swimming, barbecues and fireworks. But it’s also a dangerous time of year for pets. Left outside for even just a few hours, dogs get lethargic. Because they don’t sweat, they keep cool by panting, but in extremely hot weather this might not be enough. If not kept in the A/C, dog health problems will quickly multiply. Dogs can get sunburned, dehydrated and even suffer from hyperthermia, or heat stroke, like humans.

For pet owners, one thing you can do is install A/C dog house units. There are a couple of companies that specialize in air conditioners specifically for pets. One company makes portable air conditioning units that conveniently attach to crates, cages and other areas where space is limited. They run on batteries, electricity or car lighters and are strong and fast-acting.

The most popular A/C dog house cooler is a larger, square unit that sits next to dog houses in the backyard and actually pumps in cool air via a tube in the side. They greatly reduce the interior temperature of dog houses, while also minimizing humidity and promoting air circulation.

What’s also nice about these cute, modern looking units is that they’re lightweight and portable. They even work with virtually any dog house, no matter the shape. Not only that, but they’re more energy efficient than your own air conditioning unit, so your utility bills won’t suffer much more as a result of buying one.

At the same time, these units work equally well as heaters in winter. Though you may not be thinking that far ahead while still in the throes of summer, it’s good to plan for the long-term. Buy an A/C dog house unit now for its cooling ability, then turn around and use it when the weather turns chilly with a temperature control thermostat.

As in any extreme temperature, dogs need to be cared for in cold weather, too. Dogs that aren’t well looked after are prone to frostbite and hypothermia, both of which are serious and potentially life-threatening conditions.

If you don’t want to invest in an A/C dog house unit, there are some other tricks you can employ to keep your furry friend nice and cool. Regularly change out water, and don’t use metal bowls which heat up faster. Keeping water bowls in the shade and stocked with ice cubes will help.

Also, you can buy specially designed dog bed mats, collars and harnesses that all use micro-bead technology to keep pets (and humans) cool. The way in which the technology works is that these synthetic beads, sewn into pieces of fabric, retain cool and moisture. As it dries, the evaporation caused will lower the temperature of the air in the surrounding area.

Finally, just be conscientious. Don’t keep your dog tied up in a spot where he can’t get any shade. Check up on him every hour. If you notice any change in behavior or personality, take him inside. If the behavior worsens, consider going to the vet. You’re not just your dog’s best friend; their lives are in your hands.

Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes for such sites as http://www.cedarwoodfurniture.com

Dog Houses: Where is Your Dog Going to Live?

Author: Allen Shaw
Source: articleage.com

Now that you have your new best friend, you need to give him a place to call his own. A humble little abode to get away from his work schedule of sleeping, eating and pooping all day. But you’ve discovered, like every other aspect of buying a new dog, there is a myriad of choices. Wood or plastic; wire cage or crate; simple or complicated; air-conditioned or non-air conditioned (no, I’m not kidding), are just a few of the choices you will have to make before buying you’re your doghouse. But before you do, here are a few tips.
First and foremost, consider WHERE you are going to put the doghouse. Some are made for indoors and some are made for outdoors. Crates and wire cages are made more for indoors since they offer little protection from the weather. And if you travel a lot, a crate might be your best choice. You might as well kill two birds with one stone.
Second, measure your dog. There’s nothing worse than getting a doghouse and your lovable pooch outgrows it in six months. A good rule of thumb to follow is to make sure your dog can stand up fully and turn around comfortably. This means of course that your final doghouse purchase should be made after the dog is full-grown. Up until that time, a crate might be a good investment.
Third, consider the environment if you are purchasing an outdoor doghouse. If you live in an area that stays hot most of the year, make sure there is plenty of ventilation. You don’t want it to be cooler outside the doghouse than inside. You may even consider an air-conditioned dog house if you live in some of the southern states like Texas. But if you do, make sure you live in an air-conditioned house. There’s nothing sillier than an air-conditioned doghouse when the owners are melting away.
If you live in a colder climate, make sure you get a doghouse that is well insulated. Also make sure the doghouse has an offset door. This provides a windbreak for your chilly pooch.
Now that you’ve purchased your doghouse, where in the yard are you going to place it? Off the ground is good if you have that ability. This allows for circulation under the house. If this is not possible, put the house in an area where you don’t mind if the dog does a little digging. Dogs like to dig out a cool place in the summer so you will likely have a few holes in your backyard.
Knowing this going in, it should make it easier to decide where to place the house. Also, when it comes to doghouse placement, be sure you can see the house from your house. No matter how well made a doghouse is, some dogs will always find a way to get themselves caught up. I know this from experience. If you can see the doghouse from your house, you will know your dog managed to trap himself long before he resorts to the plaintive howls of the mistreated dog.
And finally, bedding for a doghouse is a must. No matter how cute that blanket is that your dog loves, don’t use it as a bed. Body heat, moisture and darkness will attract fleas and ticks, and even worse, smells. Blankets, carpet, fabrics, straw or towels should never be used as bedding. A better alternative would be to cedar shavings, or a dense foam pad that is moisture proof.
So now you’re armed with all the knowledge necessary to purchase your first doghouse. I bet you didn’t realize that picking up that little puppy was going to be so much trouble did you? Don’t worry, the initial cost of getting a new pup is offset in the long run with a friend who will love you his entire life without judgment or preconceived notions.
Allen Shaw is a successful author who provides information on dogs, dog houses and information on buying a dog house.

Advantages of Insulated Dog Houses

Author: Rachel Dawson
Source: isnare.com

Why should you consider insulated dog houses when shopping for your furry friends? There are two main advantages that insulated dog houses have over the plainer varieties. The insulated structure keeps the temperature inside more comfortable. It also allows you to use less energy if you decide to integrate a heating and air conditioning unit into the house for extreme temperatures. Think of what insulation in your home does; these are the same things it does for your pet.

Heat transfer occurs in one of three ways: conduction, convection, or radiation. Conduction occurs through objects (hot tea to handle of spoon), convection through currents of air or water (forced air furnace), and radiation through light travel (the sun). Heat transfer will occur; you cannot stop it. However, you can slow the rate at which it occurs. Insulation is the tool you need to slow heat transfer.

Insulated dog houses may combat more than one type of heat transfer. For instance, the insulation may reflect heat and trap air at the same time. Reflecting the heat in the summer means the warm air stays outside the dog house. Reflecting the heat in the winter, of course, means warm air remains inside the dog house. Trapped air pockets reduce the speed of conduction because air is a slower conductor than other materials, such as metal.

Of course, a cooler environment in the summer and a warmer environment in the winter equal a more comfortable setting for your pup. If temperatures become too extreme, you might need to bring your dog inside until the weather returns to normal. Puppies and old dogs are most susceptible to problems caused by temperature, such as freezing and heat stroke.

A second advantage applies to owners who intend to use a heating and air conditioning unit in the dog house. Insulated dog houses conserve energy by slowing the rate of heat transfer. As a result, you have to spend less energy heating and cooling the house. Spending less energy is becoming more popular today for those who like the idea of “greener” living. And spending less energy has always been popular with people who keep an eye on their dollars.

If you like the idea of a heating and air conditioning unit, but you have doubted its feasibility, start looking for insulated dog houses. As you shop, check for insulation with higher R-values. The R-value is a number assigned to the insulation based on several factors. These factors determine how effective the insulation will be in slowing heat transfer. The R-value increases with the level of effectiveness. The higher the assigned R-value, the more effective you should find the insulation to be.

Insulated dog houses slow conduction, convection, or radiation—or a combination of these processes. By slowing the speed of heat transfer, the insulation increases your pet’s comfort. It also conserves energy if you use a heating and air conditioning unit. When shopping for dog houses, check R-values. The R-values will help you understand how effective you should expect the insulation to be. Comparing R-values will help you identify which dog houses will be the best for you.

Rachel Dawson is a freelance writer who has known several special dogs. She writes about pet houses and accessories.

Air Conditioned Dog Houses For Summer

Author: Lindy Smart
Source: ezinearticles.com

If you live in the northern half of the country, you may not have considered or even heard of an air-conditioned dog house. If you live in the south or southwest part of the country where temperatures are high all year long, a climate controlled dog house could be a life saving necessity for your dog. If you live in a hot climate and your dog is mostly outdoors you should consider getting an ac for your dog house. Usually when someone buys a dog house they are thinking of protecting their pet from rain, snow and cold but extreme heat is just as deadly to dogs especially if you keep a dog that is bred for cold weather in a warm climate such as an Alaskan Husky. Many dogs die each year from heat injuries but an air-conditioned dog house can save your dog from these conditions and keep him healthy and happy no matter how hot it gets.

There are things to consider when buying an air-conditioned dog house. The first thing to consider is, are you going to buy a climate unit to install or a house that is already equipped with an air conditioner. If you are going to buy an air conditioner and install it in an existing house, you will have to be sure that the house is made of a suitable material. Plastic has become a popular material for dog houses but it is not suitable for an air conditioner because of the poor insulating qualities of plastic. Wood is the best material for any dog house and you should buy one that is already insulated or insulate the one that you already have. Dog house units do not cost much to run but the insulation will reduce the cost even further and make the unit run more efficiently. Whether you buy or build your own air-conditioned dog house make certain that the unit and all wires and components are either out of reach of the dog or made dog proof so that your pet does not do any damage by chewing on the unit.

Some units sit on the ground outside the house and the wires can be covered inside the wall. Other units mount to the side of the house like a window unit. If you use the window unit type put a grill over the front of the unit to prevent the dog access to the unit. As with any dog house the choice of size is important. Most people want to buy their beloved pet a mansion of a house but this is not the right thing to do no matter where you live. A dog house should be somewhat of a tight fit for the dog and he should have to duck to get into the door and should have enough room inside to turn around and lie down stretched out and that is all. Getting your hot climate dog an air-conditioned dog house could be a life saving present.

a/c dog houses

Cedar dog houses