Avoiding Heat Related Injuries in Dogs by Nate Baxter, DVM

Yes, thank you for posting this. I had no idea about some of them. THe one that shoked me the most was the one about giving them only a little bit of water if they are panting heavily. I always gave them lots of water, and yes they would swallow air with it. Now I know better! Someone on athother sheltie forum posted a message stating that we should not give them ice cubes or ice cold water to drink, as this might bloat them and even kill them. I wonder if it is because the dog drank too quickly, and like this vet said, it was the air that is the problem. Has anyone else heard of not giving them ice cubes and ice cold water? (I will try and find that post and copy it her for you to read too.)
 
Someone on athother sheltie forum posted a message stating that we should not give them ice cubes or ice cold water to drink, as this might bloat them and even kill them. I wonder if it is because the dog drank too quickly, and like this vet said, it was the air that is the problem. Has anyone else heard of not giving them ice cubes and ice cold water? (I will try and find that post and copy it her for you to read too.)

That message about the dog and ice cubes is going around the forums in Australia as well so I think it might be an urban myth. Just based on human physiology it doesnt make sense - mainly because the constriction caused by cold in the stomach should expel air and the water will not stay cold for very long in the stomach. But I can understand if the dog drank to fast because it was hot - then it may take too much air into its stomach, or if it was panting heavily when drinking. Human athletes drink cold water when exercising as cold water is absorbed more quickly and therefore they are able to rehydrate more quickly. Just my thoughts anyway.
 
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Heat Wave!

I came searching for advice on keeping Shelties cool during extreme heat. I know that with their double coat, the approach is different than that for other breeds. I came across this thread from last year and thought that it belonged here on the first page. I wish that mine liked water more than they do. Just a little wade is all that they will do.
 
Heat in Nova Scotia :lol: Sca still insists on frisbee well into the 90's (though he only goes for about 5 throws at 95) and that is high humidity. It is my belief that like people dogs grow acclimated to their home. Someone that is always in the heat suffers cold and the other way around. Also big transitions can be hard on a body.
 
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