Why? Because boxers are particularly prone to heat exhaustion due to their “pushed in” faces. Because of their short snout, they just can’t process the heat as efficiently as a dog with a longer nose can. So, be good to your boxer and make sure you pay attention to the tips in this article…
PROTECT YOUR DOG FROM THE HEAT
Don’t leave your dog outside in the heat without proper water and shelter. It can cause heat exhaustion, stoke and even death. Dogs don’t have sweat glands, so they have to pant to cool themselves down, and more than 200 pants per minute is a warning sign.
In addition to human thoughtlessness, the age, size, coat length, breed and ability to adapt make a difference. Older dogs, larger dogs, and long-haired dogs are more susceptible to heat exhaustion, as are dogs with dark coats (v. light coats) and dogs with short-muzzles. Also dog’s like my beloved Ygraine, who don’t know when to stop running!
Remember if you leave the dog outside in the shade in the morning, it could be full sun by afternoon and plan accordingly.
Do not hesitate to instruct someone you see leaving a dog in abusive conditions, and to report them to the authorities if necessary.
Never leave your dog in a parked car. The temperature inside a parked car with the window cracked can quickly soar to 120 degrees, long before you can return.
KNOW WHAT TO DO FOR HEAT EXHAUSTION
Submerge or soak your dog in cool water as soon as you can. If you grab the hose to do this, make sure it’s running cool. Then wrap your dog in cool, wet towels as you get him or her to the vet as quickly as possible. Do this regardless of how you think your pet is doing. Heat stroke can be serious.
HEAT AND MOSQUITOES DON’T MIX
Dogs get heartworm from mosquitoes. Get your dog tested for heartworm, and administer the prevention. SNAP (Spay/Neuter Assistance Program) can test your dog for $10 and dispense the necessary preventative.
In the case of heartworm, never has it been more true that the cure can be worse than the disease, and that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Take action now. The treatment is very hard on the dog, and there are no guarantees.
LEARN TO MAKE YOUR DOG SMILE
There’s a great book out called “97 Ways to Make Your Dog Smile.” Author, Jenny Langbehn, a veterinary nurse, has some great ideas to get that back leg shaking. For instance? No. 1 is blowing bubbles for them to chase. No. 60 is hiding treats for them to find, like a shell game. Ear noogies? Why of course! Cute book.
MORE THAN 85% OF ADULT DOGS DEVELOP PERIODONTAL DISEASE
This is the most common disease affecting older dogs, and it usually is there by the age of 3, so start early. Buildup of tartar and plaque over the years can cause serious health problems. Dog biscuits aren’t enough; learn how to brush your dog’s teeth.
About the Author: Susan Dunn may be contacted at http://www.susandunn.cc or sdunn@susandunn.cc. Susan Dunn, MA, Clinical Psychology, certified Emotional Intelligence Coach, The EQ Coach™ . Coaching around EQ for relationships, career, resilience, transitions, personal and professional development. I train and certify EQ Coaches, therapists and managers. Susan is the author of numerous ebooks, including “How to Live Your Life with Emotional Intelligence,” “Depression,” and “How to Develop Your Child’s EQ.” she is widely published on the Internet, a syndicated columnist for WebProNews and Family-Content, and a regular speaker for cruise lines. (See “How to Get to Present on a Cruise.”) She offers home study programs through her distance learning school.
