Your dog probably gets excited when he heads outdoors with you.  He may not take the time to drink up or otherwise acclimate himself to the warmer weather.  He just wants to “go!”

Remember, your dog enjoys your company and wants to please you.  He will try to keep up with you even if he is overheated and in serious trouble.  So keep in mind these tips to avoid heat stress for your canine companion.

1. Start out slow.  Just like humans, dogs need to improve their conditioning and it won’t happen overnight.  Start with short walks in the cool of the morning or evening after sunset and gradually work into an exercise program.  Don’t expect your dog to keep up with you on your bike or rollerblades if he isn’t yet in great physical condition.
2. Avoid the heat of the day.  With the triple digits already upon us, this means from mid-morning through suppertime.
3. Pre-hydrate. Encourage your dog to drink well before you go outside.
4. Take water for your dog. Dogs can be taught to drink from water bottle squirt caps or from camelback hoses.  Or take along a collapsible bowl.  Water needs will vary depending on temperature and activity level but you can plan on providing at least a half liter per 10 pounds of body weight per day.  Thus, a 50-pound dog needs a minimum of 2.5 liters a day, much more if the weather is hot.  Stop for a drink every 15 to 30 minutes and let the dog drink as much as he needs.
5. Keep your dog on-leash or close to you. If your dog is off-leash, he may cover ten times as much ground or more than you!  This makes the likelihood of heat exhaustion that much greater.
6. Rest frequently. Stop in the shade for a few minutes.  Wet the dog’s feet and lower legs as this is where the blood vessels are closest to the surface for maximum cooling effect.
7. STOP if your dog seems overheated. You know your dog and can differentiate normal panting from excessive panting.  If he is slowing down or reluctant to go on, you must STOP in a shady area.  Wet down his feet and legs first, or the whole dog if enough water is available, offer water to drink, and wait as long as needed for him to regain his normal body temperature.  This might take hours!  Or pick him up and carry him if he needs emergency care.
8. Check the footpads. Foot pads are tough structures but they can still get blisters and cuts.  Torn footpads are very painful.  Don’t let your dog walk on hot pavement.  If the ground is too hot for you to place your hand on it, then it’s too hot for your dog to walk on it!
    

We know how to use common sense in the summer heat for ourselves and our families in order to avoid heat exhaustion.  Make good decisions for your dog, too.  Stay safe and have a great summer

That's a lot of rich, high-fat food content for us humans and a dangerous offering from which to "treat" our beloved four-legged companions.

Veterinarians consider the holiday season to be "pancreatitis season" since many dogs (and even cats) are fed high-fat leftovers from the celebratory meals.  The extreme level of fats being digested causes problems for the digestive enzymes that are released by the pancreas, which induces the swelling of the pancreas, and subsequent pancreatitis.

Dogs who counter surf or dig through the garbage can are at a higher risk, so be vigilant and don't leave scraps of turkey skin, turkey bones, drippings, carcasses, gravy, stuffing, casseroles, snacks and other leftovers accessible to your pets.  If your dog has gotten into the garbage or been fed some of these rich, fatty foods and shows signs of nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, or diarrhea, seek veterinary care promptly.  Check out our links to Valley emergency clinics.

Pancreatitis might also cause your dog to be restless due to pain, sensitive to touch, refuse to eat, have a rapid heartbeat or rapid breathing, be moody or show signs of aggression.  In a severe attack, a dog can seem depressed, go into shock, collapse, and even die.

Pancreatitis is difficult to diagnose because it has some of the same symptoms of other digestive problems.  There is no cure, but supportive treatments need to be taken immediately.  Early recognition is key.

On those days that your pet doesn't want to eat a meal, resist the temptation to add leftovers, gravy, bacon fat, chicken broth, milk or other fatty foods to its food as an enticement for him to eat.  Oftentimes, dogs are smart enough to skip a meal when their stomachs are upset.  By offering these high-fat treats, he may eat the meal anyway and end up triggering a painful and potentially life-threatening attack of pancreatitis.

So keep the turkey and trimmings to us two-legged folks and treat our pets to a few extra hugs and pats or walks around the block during this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you from all of us at Pecan Grove Veterinary Hospital in Tempe.

The doctors and staff will be posting periodically about various pet care issues, trends, health topics, and safety tips.  If there is anything you would like to hear about let us know.