baringvetblog

How to Help Your Pet Stay Cool on the Hot Summer Days

By: Dr. Ben Davidson

As we finally start to get into some warmer weather, we need to start remembering to be careful about the heat and our pets.  Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are potentially fatal problems that can be avoided with a few simple steps and cares.  Keep in mind that our furry friends are exactly that…. furry.  Their hair coats make them several degrees hotter than we are, so even if it seems pleasant or acceptable to us, it can feel much hotter to them.

First and foremost, do not leave them in a parked car.  Even with the windows open, even in the shade, the internal temperature of a car can reach 130 degrees and is a major risk for heat stroke and death.  When out playing, walking, hunting, or anything else, make sure that the distance, pace, or time is not excessive.  Dogs cool themselves by panting, they don’t sweat like we do.  If they are dehydrated, they can’t do that effectively, so make sure you bring plenty of water for them, too.

Breeds with smooshed in faces, like bulldogs, can overheat on just a simple walk, so make sure to exercise only in the cooler morning or late evening hours.  When at home, make sure your dogs can either get inside to cooler temperatures or at least that they have a well-ventilated shady spot, and again make sure they have plenty of water at all times.  Your four-legged friends are just as happy as you are about the weather getting warmer and about spending some good quality time outdoors, but from all of them and all of us here at BBVH, please be careful and cautious about our summer heat.  Have a great summer!

By: Sara Hogle DVM

There are several important factors to consider when choosing a specific dog breed or mixed breed individual for your family. In general, you will want to consider your own lifestyle, personality, and specific desires for dog behavior, personality, and maintenance characteristics. Selecting your canine friend is an important long term decision for you and your family so it pays to spend some time researching to ensure you come to the right decision.

When you imagine the type of dog you picture yourself living with for the next 10-20 years the dog’s breed will play an important role in this decision, but many other factors are important to consider. A particular breed will ensure certain qualities in your dog (coat length and grooming requirements, size, often energy level, trainability, protectiveness, temperature/climate tolerance, and  predisposition to certain medical problems) but does not automatically ensure that you will end up with the “perfect dog” for you. Spending some time researching the history of your dog’s family line, training and socializing your dog, and investing in your dog’s preventative care and medical needs through your veterinarian will provide you both with the best opportunity for a long happy, fulfilling life together.

 

 
A list of important factors to consider when selecting a canine companion:

1. Size
2. Energy level (some dogs are non-stop sprinters vs. more of a couch potato)
3. How much time will you be able to spend exercising your dog each day?
4. How often will you be able to play with your dog?
5. How affectionate (“clingy”) do you want your dog to be?
6. Do you have any other pets in the household that your dog will need to get along with?
7. How trainable do you want your new dog to be?
   1. Some easier to train dog breeds- Australian shepherds, Border collie, Lab, Golden retriever, Poodles, Papillion
8. How protective do you want your new dog to be?
9. How much maintenance/grooming can you provide and how much shedding can you tolerate?
10. Does your dog need to be able to tolerate cold, hot, or variable temperatures/climates based on where you live?
11. Is it important that your dog be good with children?
12. Is affordability an issue for you? E.g. initial cost of purchase, food, grooming costs, potential for health care/medical issues in the future.
    1. For example some breed predilections for hip dysplasia include German shepherds, Rottweiler,Labradorretrievers, Golden retrievers
13. Will your dog be kept inside, outside, or a bit of both? (certain breeds just don’t tolerate exposure outside well at all).
14. What is your level of experience with dogs? (certain breeds are not recommended for 1^st time dog owners).
15. What was the breed originally bred for? (some of those instincts may remain; for example some breeds were bred for digging/rooting out rodents and will likely do so in your flower garden as well).
16. Do you have any allergies to dogs?  Some “hypoallergenic breeds” include: poodles, Bichon Frise, etc.
17. How vocal of a dog do you prefer? Some are more talkative including: Beagles, Huskies, German Shepherd dogs.