Temperature Watch
Temperature extremes can be disastrous for your dog if she's outdoors without any protection from the elements. She can easily overheat and develop heatstroke or become frostbitten in very cold weather.
When the temperature is 80 °F or higher and the humidity is high, your dog should not exercise or remain outside for longer than ten or fifteen minutes. Even if your dog just spends a few minutes outside in your yard during warm months, make sure there's adequate shade from trees or shade cloths.
Never leave your dog in a closed car. In hot or very cold weather, the temperature inside a closed car can climb even higher or dip even lower than the outside temperature, making both weather situations deadly for your dog. If you find her unconscious in the car, take her out immediately and get her to an emergency veterinary clinic.
First Aid for Heatstroke
When the body cannot keep the temperature in a safe range, the dog overheats. The dog's normal body temperature is between 100 °F to 102.5 °F. In moderate heatstroke the body temperature ranges from 104 °F to 106 °F. Severe heatstroke occurs when body temperature exceeds 106 °F and can be fatal. The signs of heatstroke are rapid panting, bright red tongue, red or pale gums, thick or sticky saliva, depression, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, shock, and coma.
Cool your dog off by placing cool water, wet towels, or ice chips in the groin areas and underneath his arms at the chest. Take him to the emergency veterinarian right away. En route give him one dose of belladonna 30C. Heatstroke is usually deadly and you must take your dog to an emergency clinic immediately.
Cold Weather Precautions
Other than a few arctic breeds that were bred to live in the snow, dogs need protection from snowy and icy weather and should never be left outdoors for too long. Brief exposure to sub-zero weather can lead to frostbite of the feet, nose, or ears. Frostbitten skin is red, gray, or white and may begin to peel off. If your dog has frostbite, warm him up slowly with warm, moist towels. Transport him to your veterinarian immediately.
As soon as you return from cold-weather exercising, rinse your dog's paws, legs, and stomach with warm water before wiping off the snow and ice particles. Don't forget between his toes. This removes both the salt that irritates the pads and causes vomiting and diarrhea, and the poisonous antifreeze that he could ingest after licking his paws.
If you take your dog out exercising during the winter months, protect him by putting him in a coat or sweater with a high collar and protect his feet in icy conditions. The clothing should cover the length of his entire body and his stomach.
Don't let your dog off leash in snow or ice and make sure he is wearing a collar with an identification tag and is microchipped. This will help you locate him if he becomes disoriented or loses his way in a snowstorm. More dogs disappear during the winter than at any other time of the year.
