Heat Exhaustion
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- Published on Monday, 02 May 2011 16:28
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Bigulldogs.com warns that Bulldogs can easily succumb to heat exhaustion. Here are a few recommendations from The BIGBULLDOG that will keep your Bully comfortable and healthy as the summer temperatures soar.
__ Bigbulldogs.com is located in southern California where the average low winter temperatures fall to 30 F and climbs to the mid to upper 90’s in the summer. Many of our Bully’s prefer to live outside running and playing on our acreage. These Bullies are acclimated to the hot and cold weather and do not undergo extreme changes several times per day from an air conditioned environment to the hot yard. They are able to regulate their metabolism and can withstand heat far greater than the average Bully. This is not true to the average spoiled, coddled, house dwelling Bulldog. They will not withstand the heat and will die if overly exposed.
__ BigBulldogs.com recommends that you always have fresh cool water available to Bully. Adding ½ teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to his water will help to keep the phlegm levels down on really hot days.
__ BigBulldogs.com recommends the uses of common sense when gauging the temperature for your dog. If it is comfortable for you it is comfortable for him. If you are hot, he’s hotter. Temperatures of 85 degrees F and above are considered hazardous to this breed.
__ BigBulldogs.com recommends that if you are not home when it is hot then DON'T let him have free access to the yard. Bulldogs love the sun and could lie in the sun and overheat before they realize it. You won’t be there to save him.
__ BigBulldogs.com recommends that you provide a shaded and cool place inside with a fan circulating air in the room for your dog. Do not allow an air condition vent blowing directly on him because it could cause him to get sick. Bully’s love cool floors.
__ BigBulldogs.com recommends that you monitor your dog if he needs to go outside. Don't let him lay out in the sun, but instead bring him straight back in once he has gone potty. If he needs to go outside you can spray him with cold water from a water bottle to cool off his skin.
__ BigBulldogs.com recommends to NEVER leaving your Bulldog in the car. On very hot days, it can take only two minutes for your dog to collapse from the heat.
__ BigBulldogs.com recommends that you skip the daily walk in very hot weather. Bulldogs often walk out but expect to be carried back. If you must walk, avoid the middle of the day when the sun is hottest. Don’t forget that roads can be very hot. If you place the backside of your hand in the road and it burns, just think what it is doing to Bully’s feet.
What to do if Bully is overheated.
__ Act quickly but remain calm. Your Bully gets excited when you get excited. As he gets excited, his throat closes up and becomes more restrictive. Pet him and speak to him calmly.
__ BigBulldogs.com recommends that you DON'T force an overheated dog to drink. Offer the water, but don't force the issue if he refuses. Consider using a syringe or a water bottle with a squeeze cap to place water, Gatorade, or a glucose (sugar) solution in his mouth. He must lick it. DO NOT SQUIRT IT DOWN HIS THROAT. He could suck it down the wrong tube, get it into his lungs and choke to death. Place the liquid in the corner of his mouth or on his tongue and ensure that he licks it.
__ Panting is a good thing because this is how dogs release body heat. However, if your Bully has an abnormal roaring sound when he breathes as if he were having an asthma attack, then you must cool him down fast because he is overheating.
__ BigBulldogs.com recommends keeping on hand a couple bottles of Isopropyl Alcohol. Pour some over Bully’s back to saturate his whole body if overheating occurs. The alcohol will cool him down fast. Take special care to avoid the eye area. I once got alcohol into my eyes and it burns worse than fire.
__ If possible, stand him in a tub of cool water and pour or shower the water over his body, especially his head, until his breathing is calmer. Dogs expel heat from their foot pads, therefore standing him in cool water will speed the cooling process.
__A 60 ml cold water enema can assist in getting his temp down as well. This actually works great. You should keep a 60 ml syringe on hand just in case.
__ If you cannot calm the dog in the bath, GO STRAIGHT TO THE VET!!!! Keep him as cool as possible on the way. Apply wet towels and ice packs to his skin. Put ice in a plastic bag or use frozen vegetables. If you have air conditioning in your car, set it on high.
BigBulldogs.com wants you to enjoy the summertime with your Bully. Please take the necessary precautions to keep him healthy so he will be around to go snowboarding with you this winter as well.
Warm Regards,
The BIGBULLDOG
www.bigbulldogs.com