Facility
Extreme Weather Safety
In the Pet Care Facility typography
By Chrissy Capacchione

Winter weather can mean powdery snow that’s fun for dogs to romp around in, and the warm summer months are an opportunity for cooling off in the pool or naps in the sun. But when cold weather turns frigid or the temperatures become sweltering, the safety of your clients’ dogs could be at risk. It’s important to be on the lookout for signs of cracked pads, frostbite and hypothermia in the cold months, and dehydration and heatstroke in the hot months.

Pet care professionals need to be educated in what to look for when a dog is experiencing symptoms of illness or injury as a result from prolonged exposure to very hot or very cold temperatures. Recognizing when a dog is at risk and knowing the appropriate actions to take ensures efficient and effective prevention and intervention when necessary to keep dogs healthy, safe and enjoying their time under your care, year round.

cold weather worries
When frostbite sets in and the core temperature begins to cool, the blood is directed away from vital organs. The affected area can be cold and painful to the touch and appear discolored, often having a blue or gray appearance. Tissue damage can then occur if frostbite is not treated.

Treatment for frostbite requires gradually warming the affected area. Applying a warm compress or soaking the site in warm water can help reestablish circulation. Avoid vigorously rubbing the area and sources of dry heat such as a hair dryer or heating pad.

Hypothermia is a dangerous condition that can result in death if not treated with urgency. It is caused when core body temperatures drop too low. Dogs can develop hypothermia if their core body temperature drops below 99 degrees Fahrenheit, and if their temperature drops below 82 degrees, hypothermia is classified as severe.

Early warning signs of hypothermia include shivering and curling up in an attempt to keep warm. Additional, more severe signs include tachycardia (when the heart beats too quickly) followed by bradycardia (too slow of a heart rate), rapid respiratory rate (which progressively slows and becomes shallow), sluggishness, pale skin and mucus membranes, dilated pupils, and eventually losing consciousness.

If dogs are going to be outside in temperatures less than 30 degrees Fahrenheit, they should not be out for prolonged periods of time and must be observed for the onset of frostbite and hypothermia.

Dogs with hypothermia can be aided by moving them to a warmer area and wrapping them in regular or foil blankets. Severe cases will require treatment from external heat sources, and a veterinarian may use warm IV fluids to provide core warming.

Walking and playing on cold, wet surfaces or areas that have been treated with salt (even pet-safe brands) can cause a dog’s pads to become dry and cracked. Using a towel to wipe down paws and applying a topical such as petroleum jelly or a balm can prevent this from happening. These methods are also useful to soothe already sore, cracked pads. Booties are also an option to protect paws from the cold or prevent cracks from becoming worse.

If dogs are going to be outside in temperatures less than 30 degrees Fahrenheit, they should not be out for prolonged periods of time and must be observed for the onset of frostbite and hypothermia. If showing signs of developing either of these conditions, bring the dog to a warm area inside and begin the process of gently warming them. Never use hot water, as this can cause shock.

hot temperatures trepidations
Broiling summer temperatures can lead to dehydration and heatstroke. When dogs become too hot and are unable to adequately reduce their body temperature through panting, they will develop heatstroke. If left untreated, heatstroke can have fatal consequences. Dogs who are at a higher risk to have heatstroke include senior and very young dogs, those weighed down by thick coats, flat-faced dogs and medically compromised dogs.

Signs indicative of heatstroke include heavy panting, rapid heartbeat, labored breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, body temperature greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, incoordination, drooling and vomiting.

If a dog is suffering from heatstroke, bring them to a cooler area and offer small amounts of water often. Don’t allow them to drink an excessive amount of water at one time, as this can lead to vomiting and increased dehydration. Pouring cool water over the dog, careful to avoid their nostrils so they don’t inhale the water, can begin to lower their body temperature. Wrapping them in cold, wet towels may seem like a good idea; however, this is counterproductive because wet towels will trap body heat.

To prevent dehydration, be sure there is always cool, fresh water available, but monitor the dogs to make sure they are not lapping up too much water at one time, as this can lead to bloat. Additionally, limit the dogs’ exercise time during very hot times of the day and check that the surfaces they are walking on are not too hot to the touch, which can lead to burned paw pads.

Always notify the owner if their pet appears to be showing signs of any of these conditions brought on by extreme temperatures. And, if necessary, promptly seek medical treatment from a veterinarian.

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