Creek Chatter

 

 

 

Article: Summer Heat

Summer is here, and I am sure that most of you are already feeling the heat. As temperatures begin to reach into the 90's, it is important to keep our pets safe and comfortable. Contrary to popular belief, dogs have a harder time adjusting to the heat than people do. Not only do dogs wear their coat all year long, the only way they can release heat is through panting. Panting is simply not as effective as sweating is for people.

Heat exhaustion, or hyperthermia, in dogs is certainly not uncommon and just the same as with people, it can be very dangerous. Heat exhaustion occurs when an animal is unable to release excess heat efficiently. This can ultimately cause the dog to collapse. A dogs normal temperature is around 101.5. When a dog begins to overheat, the temperature can rise to 104-106 degrees. Once reaching these temperatures, it is urgent that they be seen by a vet immediately. Any higher and the dog may begin to have permanent brain and organ damage.

Keeping your pet comfortable during this time of year is simple. Here are some helpful tips:

  • If your pet is outside, be sure that they have plenty of cool drinking water and a well shaded area.
  • Never leave your pet in a locked car, even if the windows are cracked. Cars can act as an oven, trapping the heat.
  • If you have a long-haired dog, you may consider having them shaved or cut short.
  • Try to limit their activity and exercise on especially hot days.
  • And a life long way of keeping them safe and comfortable in the summer months it to keep them fit. Overweight and obese dogs are much more susceptible to the heat.

We all love our pets and want them to be happy. Just be sure that we also keep them safe. If you feel uncomfortable with the temperature outside, best bet is that they do too.

If you have any questions about your pet and the summer heat, please feel free to call us or ask on your next visit.

 

Employee Spotlight: Liz

Liz has been working at Bear Creek Animal Clinic for 20 years, originally starting in the kennel, then technician, and now receptionist. She is the voice on the other end of the phone and the smile that greets you when you stop by. Married to Jeff for 28 years, mother of Rachel and Jake, and new grandmother of Orson. Not only is she a pleasure to work with she is also, as Dr. Eikenhorst puts it, "one of our most over-qualified employees". Liz graduated from Auburn University in 1981, with a Journalism degree.

In her spare time she loves to go out to the country and herd sheep with her Belgian Tervuren Sofi. They compete in herding and obedience trials, at which they have been very successful. Liz has another Terv named Wit, with many titles under his collar, and a cat named Mina, who is just happy watching the birds. It is not uncommon to see her beautiful, well-trained dogs during your visit to our clinic.

Breed of the Month: Belgian Tervuren

The belgian tervuren is a relatively new breed, making its appearance in the United States in the early 20th century. Basically a multi-purpose farm dog, he is mainly used for protection, drug detection, and performance sports today. In the herding group of AKC, he is an attentive companion that is willing to tackle anything his owner wants to do.

Size: Males 24 to 26 inches, 70 lbs     Females 22 to 24 inches, 55 lbs

Color: Ranges from a rich fawn to a deep mahogany with black overlay

The Terv is a healthy dog, but can have hip dysplasia, eye problems, and epilepsy. An intelligent and personable dog, he does require a firm hand and obedience training to focus his energy and curiosity.