Page 74 - Chow Life - Spring 2017_Neat
P. 74
AKC Gazette
Excerpt
by Love Banghart
CHOW CHOWS IN THE SUMMER
The Chow Chow is one of several dogs to the heat. Never leave immediately. Begin cooling your
breeds with very low heat tolerance. your dog in a closed vehicle, even dog by pouring cool, NOT COLD,
Even though you may see your with the windows slightly open, water on the legs and foot pads, and
chow lying in the sunshine from temperatures can quickly soar. placing cool, wet rags or washcloths
time to time, they must always have Long walks and heavy exercise on the body - especially the foot
access to fresh water and shade. during the heat of the day are to be pads and around the head and in
If the daily temperature is above avoided. Walks should be taken the groin area. DO NOT use ice or
80 degrees, you should consider early in the morning or late in the very cold water! Extreme cold can
providing a temperature controlled evening. Walking on grass is far cause the blood vessels to constrict,
environment for your Chow Chow. cooler than walking on asphalt or preventing the body's core from
Many chows have been lost to cement. cooling and actually causing the
heat stroke which could have been internal temperature to further
Some symptoms of heat stress
prevented. are rapid panting, gulping for air, rise. In addition, over-cooling
Excellent ventilation and air loud or heavy irregular panting, can cause hypothermia, causing
circulation are crucial when dogs very high body temperature over additional problems. Offer your dog
are confined to pens, crates, and 103 degrees, excessive drooling, cool water, but do not force water
kennels. Solid walls interfere vomiting, dizziness or confusion, into your dog's mouth. When the
with air circulation while chain listlessness or weakness, dry mouth body temperature reaches 103°,
link fencing, screens, or mesh and nose or anxiety. stop cooling. Call or visit your vet
fabric allow air movement. Trees right away - even if your dog seems
and shade covers help reduce Should your Chow Chow exhibit better. Internal damage might not
heat and fans that circulate air any of these symptoms, you must be obvious to the naked eye, so an
are very helpful in controlling the take immediate action. First, move exam is necessary.
temperature. Cool mats and ice your dog out of the heat and Remember that the Chow Chow
beds can be great for a chow away from is considered to be an Arctic breed
chow who is not a "chewer". the sun and even if they are smooth coated
Time, temperature, and or trimmed for the summer, are
humidity are key factors seriously affected by heat. We want
in the response of our our dogs to live long and healthy
lives and should always avoid
hazardous conditions, as
well as know what to do
should the need arise.
This article first appeared in the
June 2012 AKC Gazette and is
reprinted with permission. To
read the online Gazette, visit
www.akc.org/pubs.
72
