Dr. Gittins’s advice on looking after your canine companion in the summer heat.

"Our dog is a hairy fellow and even in the U.K. suffered from the occasional heat wave. Here in the summer he’s going to be very uncomfortable. Apart from giving him plenty to drink, is there anything else we can do to help?"

Keeping him comfortable is really a question of “bon sens.” I have several recommendations:

• Of course, as much water as he wants.

• Getting a long haired animal shorn short at the beginning of the summer is always a good idea, even if the kennel club does not agree!

• Giving him abundant shade is important, dogs can get sunstroke too. He may like to stretch out on the tiles to keep cool.
• If you feel that the dog is distressed because of the heat (listless, panting etc.) It is quite permissible to literally to “hose” him/her down with cold water. The dog may jump with surprise the first time it happens, but very quickly gets used to it and likes it.

“In August we’re driving from Menton to Nottingham — and back. Our dog is young and lively and is plainly restive even during short drives. Would a sedative be a possibility?”

A sedative or “antistress” medication is a distinct possibility. Many products have the double advantage of slightly sedating the animal and also producing an anti-carsickness effect.

In general these medicines are not recommended for the very young or for short runs (the effects usually last for several hours), but are extremely useful for long trips.

Just a reminder concerning long (and even short runs) in summer. Please be careful of the heat, and not only in non air-conditioned cars. Air conditioning cools and also dries the air in the car. This means that we feel better but lose more water as we breath. Same goes for animals. Therefore, frequent stops are essential, preferably in rest areas with grass and trees, and of course plenty of water. And PLEASE do not leave animals in the car alone, even in the shade, even with the windows open. Cars are metal boxes which, as everyone knows, tend to heat up even in the shade!

There is a brochure edited by the Syndicat des Vétérinaires called “Ils partent avec nous!”, available from most vets, which gives a lot of useful hints about travelling with animals.

From Riviera Reporter 98 August/September 2003

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