Four-legged friends fair differently than humans

As the seasons begin to change our homes take on different characteristics. The scent of the holidays

are in the air, decorations are hung and our holiday plans are made. With all the changes that take place

we often overlook the impact on our four-legged friends.

As a pet owner it can become obvious when there are changes in the weather. Dogs do have some

pressure system sensitivity, when a low pressure system comes through, some dogs may begin to act a

little abnormal. When the temperature changes, older dogs can feel pain in their joints like humans do.

Animals who are always outside will react differently than a domestic animal. For some animals it may

be the simplicity of smelling the incoming rain or hearing the wind, for others, they may feel the direct effects of the change in the barometric pressure.

All animals have the ability to sense when change is coming. When a thunderstorm is approaching, an

owner might notice their dog is trembling. Some dogs will hide in a corner, under a table or bed or

another area in the home they deem safe. Veterinarians can prescribe anxiety or depression

medications to help them relax during the storm. Some owners have been known to use thunder jackets

though this may not work for all types or breeds of dogs. Other dogs may have no immediate reaction to

the storm. Dogs are more likely to react in the same way their human counterpart reacts. If the owner is

terrified of storms, the dog will see this and begin to act similarly. One exception is Fireworks. Most

human enjoy the pop and crackles of the shimmer in the sky, however our dogs feel differently. On New

Year’s and Independence Day distractions are good to help alleviate the stress from the loud sounds. I

personally turn on Animal planet for my dog and turn it up a little higher than the sound or the fire crackers.

Being in Central Florida, we do not have the extreme winters as they do up north, nevertheless our pets

can still have side effects. Pet owners need to keep in mind, just because it is cool out does not mean

that our pets need less water. Dogs will be going outside to use the facilities and then will come back

into a home that is warmed by a heater or fireplace. Dog’s temperature run higher than humans, they

will take longer to cool off, especially when the heat is on. Be aware that the temperature may feel great

to a person but may be too hot for four-legged companions. These are the signs that a dog may be overheating:

Excessive panting

Dehydration

Reddened gums and moist tissues of the bod

Excessive drooling

Only able to produce small amounts of urine

If your dog is showing any of the above, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Canine companions coming down from a cooler environments should be given time to acclimate them

to the warmer more humid weather. A few minutes outside a couple of times a day will do the trick. This

will prevent them from overheating and allow their tolerance to build up. Domesticated dogs and cats

adapt rather quickly due to being in a controlled environment. When traveling to a cooler environment,

the same should be done.

Dogs or cats that are outdoors on a regular basis can suffer sunburn on their nose, ears, and footpads.

Imagine walking barefoot on concrete in mid-July, that is what the dog is feeling and they can get

burned from the intense heat. To keep dogs cooler and prevent them from sunburn, walk dogs in the

grass or shaded areas as much as possible and limit the time in the sun to a few minutes at a time.

Remember darker dogs will heat up faster, let their coat be a judge of whether they are getting too hot;

if by touch it and it feels hot it is time to go in and hydrate.

Though most dogs and cats can adapt to changing temperatures rather quickly, other pets may not.

“Animals that are really sensitive to climate change would be rabbits and guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are

very sensitive to hot temperatures, they come from a cool climate so they cannot be kept outside here

in Florida,” stated Dr. Jennifer Peterson at the South Patrick Animal Hospital.

Some dogs have thicker coats, however their coats provide much protection. Any thoughts of shaving an

animal should be discussed with a professional groomer. As a mom of a Black Lab, I understand that the

shedding can be difficult to deal with, however shaving them will not help. Dogs will still shed, the hair

may not grow back as well, and worst of all they are put at greater risk for sunburn. As the seasons begin

to change from hot winter to spring and summer to fall, dogs with undercoats will experience exponential hair loss, as their bodies are preparing for the upcoming climate changes.

Holiday plans include a trip, consider driving with pets instead of flying. When animals fly, they are

required to stay in kennels in a non-air-conditioned and non-heated compartment, the animals are not

checked on during the flight since they are in the cargo area which is inaccessible during flight. If a pet

urinates, defecates or vomits during a flight, they will stay in those conditions until they arrive at the

final destination. If an animal spills their water, they may become dehydrated depending on the length

of time they go without. The luggage compartment is not heated and can be the coldest area on the

plane. By traveling by car, an animal can stop to do his business when needed, can be in a controlled

climate and is able to have water as needed. Peterson also states that is better to travel at night with

animals, especially during the summer months. If travel must be done by plane with pets, book flights

with the shortest to no layovers, ask the airlines about the conditions in the compartment, what there

rate of injury or death is and what accommodations they would suggest so that pets can travel more

comfortably.

When preparing for holiday travels don’t forget to pack some extra toys and treats for four-legged

friends. Dogs can get anxious during travel as well, that familiar toy can help comfort dogs on the

journey. Communicate with your dog and let them know they are also going on the trip. Canines have a

tendency to get a little depressed when they see that suitcase or other indications of travel, they

become aware that their owner is leaving and are not sure of the time of return. Always remember, domestic animals should never be left outside in extreme conditions or for extended periods of time .

Sources:

Dr. Jennifer Peterson, South Patrick Animal Hospital

VPI: http://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-articles/pet-behavior/Moving-Pets-to-a-Different-

Climate.aspx

Humane Society: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/traveling_tips_pets_ships_planes_trains.html

Dr. Fosters and Smith: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=1375