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FAIRFIELD, Conn. Matt Cyrs dog, Will, doesnt even know how to swim. But with Friday afternoons temperatures hitting triple digits, and a heat index of around 118 degrees, the four-year-old Boxer had to at least dip his feet into the water during his walk along Lake Mohegan. Cyr is one of the many dog owners who headed to the lake to give their pets some relief from the heat.
Its funny, you can tell [its too hot,] Cyr said, motioning to the dogs slowly paddling through the water. Everyones quiet. Everyones dazed.
Will shared the water with a Labradoodle named Oli and a Great Dane named Yusuke around noon on Friday. Yusukes owner, Terry from Westport, said she brought her dog to Lake Mohegan for two reasons -- to see his friends in the leash-free park, and to cool off in the water. This way he can cool off, Terry said. Otherwise, its torture for him.
Warning signs of heat stroke in animals include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. In more severe cases, seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomiting are also possible.
Saving dogs from dehydration and heat stroke in hot weather is not much different from preventing the same conditions in humans. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends making sure that dogs have plenty of fresh, clean water to drink. If they have to go outside, dogs should stay areas with plenty of shade and little asphalt, like the woods around Lake Mohegan.
Pet owners should also never leave their furry friends in the car, even with the windows rolled down. A pair of dog owners in Norwalk learned that lesson the hard way Thursday. Both were hit with cruelty to animals charges for leaving their canines in locked cars despite soaring temperatures inside.
Of course, there is one heat-beating tip that dogs cannot follow -- wearing loose-fitting, lightly colored clothing. But dogs with longer hair should get a trim at least once per summer. Shorter haired dogs, like Will, wont need a cut. But Cyr says thats little relief to Will.
Youd think with the short hair, hed be fine, Cyr said. But for his breed, he doesnt really like the heat too much.
How do you help your pets deal with the extreme heat? Share your suggestions in the comments below.
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