PAW JOGGERS
Paw News

Happy Summer!  Happy Independence Day! 

In This Issue:

·         Calendar For a Cause

·         Dog Days of Summer

·         Events

·         Paw Wisdom                                                           

The end of May and June shocked us with some August-like temperatures here in Ohio.  Although we've experienced a few days of lower temps and humidity, we can expect the mercury to rise again. 

Knowing this, Paw Joggers is sharing our guidelines for running and walking dogs in the summer heat.  We use these as safety precautions for playtime and exercising during the summer months. Keep in mind that these are guidelines and that the breed, age, physical fitness and general mood of each pet is also taken into consideration during our running and walking sessions.  Dogs only want to please you and will not quit until it may be too late.  It's up to us to be responsible pack leaders and arm ourselves with the knowledge to protect our furry friends! 

The following are simple guidelines followed by important tips for preventing heat-related injuries:

Temperature (Heat Index*)	Activity
75-80	Normal runs/walks*
80-85	Slower-paced runs/walks
85-90	Walks only
90+	SLOW walks (shade)/outdoor breaks with indoor play

* Extra caution should be taken for snub-nosed breeds (brachycephalic) such as: boxers, pugs and bulldogs.

Web link for calculating heat index, the "feels like" temperature:  http://www.crh.noaa.gov/jkl/?n=heat_index_calculator

Cooling Mechanisms of Dogs and Cats:

The cooling mechanisms of dogs and cats are different from those of humans.  Dogs pant to cool themselves.  Dogs and cats are able to make their hair stand on end to improve airflow through their coats.  Cats lick themselves so evaporation can help with the cooling.  Cats also pant, but usually not until they are already overheated.

When these cooling mechanisms are not enough, pets can overheat and suffer heat stroke.  Short-snouted dogs (brachycephalic) such as Pugs and Pekingese are more susceptible than other dogs because their panting is less efficient, but all dogs and cats are at risk.

The nature of heat stroke is such that as the pet's body temperature gets higher and higher above normal, the symptoms become more serious and the required treatment more urgent.

Prevention:

• Monitor your pet carefully when exercising in hot weather, especially if it's also humid.
• Do not muzzle your dog in hot, humid conditions. Dogs must pant to cool themselves and a muzzle restricts the ability to do so.
• Be sure your pet always has fresh, clean water.
• If your pet is outside, make sure there is enough shade for relief from the sun.
• Be aware that on paved surfaces, the ground temerature can effect small pets much more intensely than larger pets that are higher off the pavement.
• When walking or runnning, try to stay off of the hot pavement as much as possible.  Dogs pads can get burned.  Stay on grass or dirt trails.  Concrete is cooler than blacktop.
• Always remember your pet's body is parallel to the ground--the closer to the radiating heat, the higher chance for heat-related injuries.  Get down to your pet's level and see what they are feeling!
• Run/walk in the morning hours whenever possible.  
• Disregard walkways in open areas when there is a tree-lined area to use--more shade.
• Take hydration breaks for you and your pet!  Try to plan routes near water fountains/clean water sources or carry water.
• If you have a heavily fur-coated pet, schedule a grooming appointment for a "summer cut".  Brush and de-shed your pet often to remove that extra fur.
• Do not use pet carriers or crates that are not well ventilated.
• Shouldn't have to write this, but...NEVER, EVER leave your pet unattended in a vehicle in warm weather--even for a minute!  The rise in temperature inside a vehicle happens very quickly! 
  

Make sure your pets enjoy a cool summer!_______________________________________________________________