Fine Line K9

Summer Heat Hazards
Just a reminder that summer is here and with that comes certain hazards assistance dogs will face during the intense California heat. Here is a list of heat related hazards to consider when taking your assistance dog out.
1. Pavement and sidewalks: On hot days, blacktop pavement can be up to 40 degrees hotter than outdoor temperatures. Pavement that is new or recently blacked-topped is even hotter. This means hot pavement can burn or blister your dog’s feet. Cement sidewalks are usually cooler, however, they are still hotter than the air temperature. If you walk or roll long distances with your dog remember to give them generous breaks indoors, in the shade, or on cool grassy ground. You can also consider hot weather friendly dog boots. Though, remember to avoid dog boots that are highly insulated and made for winter cold weather. Part of a dog’s cooling system is to sweat through their foot pads, so use boots that allow air and moisture to vent trough the boot’s fabric.
2. Service Dog Vests: Although a service dog vest clearly identifies an assistance dog, and may reduce access hassles, on hot days they can cause a dog to overheat. Neither federal law (ADA) nor most state laws require assistance dogs to wear vests that identify them as disability assistants.
3. Cars: If you tether your dog during travel, be aware that direct sunlight through auto windows can cause dogs to overheat and for certain dogs may also cause sunburns. This can happen even if the vehicle is air conditioned. So, make sure that your dog’s tether is long enough or situated so they can move into shade within the car. Also, for those that confine a dog to the rear section of a van or station wagon: in these types of vehicles, the air going to rear vents is often not as cool as the air going to front seats. And of course, never leave a dog in an unattended car on hot days. Metal tends to absorb and amplify heat. Subsequently, this means that cars (even when parked in shade) can become “Easy Bake Ovens”. Even with windows cracked, temps inside a car can be over 70 degrees above outside temps. This is enough to cause severe health problems from heat distress or heatstroke and can even cause death.
4. Dehydration: Dehydration is a major contributing factor in heat distress or heat stroke. Be sure to carry plenty of water for your dog to drink. On hot days, stop often and offer water.
5. Heat Exhaustion: Both dogs and people tend to lose energy at a faster rate when they walk, role or work in high heat. If your dog starts to lag or moves slower than usual, stop and rest them indoors or in the shade.
6. Black or Dark Colored Dogs: Remember that black or dark colored dogs are more susceptible to heat distress than lighter colored dogs (dark colors absorb and retain more heat than light colors).
7. Sunburn: Yes, dogs can suffer sunburns. Here are some of the factors that increase the likelihood a dog will sunburn: dogs with a lot of white or very light colored fur / hair; dogs with super short coats; and dogs just groomed to a shorter coat. However, it is worth mentioning that most dogs have little to no coat on their bellies. Therefore, nearly all dogs that lay in the sun on their backs or sides are at risk for sunburn on their belly region.
If your dog seems to be suffering from heat distress, get them indoors (preferably in an air conditioned environment), in the shade and/or douse them with cool water. You’ll also want to consult a veterinarian to find out if your dog requires medical assistance. Here is a link that describes signs of heat distress / heat stroke in dogs:
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/heat-stroke-dehydration-dogs
Please forward this on to other assistance dog handlers.
Thanks,
Elizabeth Gonzalez, Assistance Dog Instructor

Hot Weather Tips for Your Pet WebMD discusses helpful tips for keeping your pet cool in even the hottest weather.