Extremely hot and humid weather impairs the dog's ability to shed excess body heat, and body temperatures can quickly rise to life-threatening levels. Some of the early signs of impending heatstroke include excessive panting and salivation, weakness, and respiratory distress. The key to successful treatment of heat stroke is early recognition. If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke, contact your veterinarian immediately. Cold water, not ice, should be used to lower the body temperature.
Severe heatstroke can lead to irreversible failure of internal organs and ultimately death.
If your dog must be outside, be sure that he has access to shade and fresh water at all times. A look inside my mailbag this week reveals Sheryl asking about urinary incontinence in her 12 year old female dog. In veterinary medicine, urinary incontinence is most commonly seen in older spayed female dogs. It is believed that the urethral sphincter controlling urination is responsive to estrogen, and spayed female dogs have very low to non-existent estrogen levels. In most dogs, this problem can be controlled with medication, some are put on estrogen replacement.