Author: Debra Rae

Reading this article could save your collie’s life! Summertime brings longer days, warmer temperatures and a need for safety. Whether you live in the far north, the deep south, the coast or the desert, the more you know about hot weather safety, the better.  For example, at temperatures of 40, 50, 60 or even 70 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on humidity levels) leaving your collie in the car can turn into a fatality. collie heat stroke happens fast. Many places have laws about leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle and the places that don’t, should.

Think about it! If it’s 70 degrees, humidity is low but all the car windows are rolled up with a 1-3″ opening, the car is in the direct sun, or even the shade, and you’re leaving your collie in the car for more than 10 minutes, could this be a problem?   Maybe it’s 80 or 90 degrees Fahrenheit and you leave your collie in the car. Take the moment and ask yourself, is this safe? Ask yourself if you would be safe left in the conditions you plan to leave your collie in. Would a baby be safe? If your answer is no, then your collie won’t be safe either.  Would a police officer, animal control officer, or veterinarian allow this?  No!

In the spring & summer months, collie heat exhaustion & heat stroke is the main focus. Believe me, watching a collie succumb due to heat exhaustion/stroke is heart breaking. They refuse water and food, are lethargic, breath rapidly, can’t get up, are disoriented, vomit continually, have uncontrollable diarrhea and slowly die.

Here’s what you should do to protect your collie:

• Don’t leave your collie in the car unless you plan to leave the air conditioner running.
• Don’t let your collie  run and play in the middle of the day. Take your pooch our in the early morning or at night when it’s cooler.
• Keep in mind if you live in a highly humid/tropical climate the actual heat index is 10-15 degrees higher than what the temperature gauge states.
• Exercise your collie when humidity is very low.
• Take stock if your collie  has dark colored fur. They will get hot faster (black absorbs heat where white repels it)
• Provide shade for your collie . Buy a tarp or a sheet from the thrift store and put it up if necessary. It’s a lot cheaper than a vet bill.  Better yet, keep them inside with you!
• Always have fresh, clean water available for your collie.  Collies need hydration. Have a large plastic dish (metal gets hot) & leave your garden hose slightly running into the dish. A vet bill can be much higher than a water bill.
• An ice cold beer is not the answer for your collie on a hot summer day!! Alcohol is poison for your collie . Give your collie lots of cold, clean water. Some collies like ice cubes. Give it to them.
• Please don’t tether your collie  outside when it’s hot. collie s easily get the tether wrapped around various objects and end up in the sun. This is a recipe for collie  heat stroke.
• Remember your collie  doesn’t wear shoes and asphalt, concrete, etc. get very hot in the summer sun. Burnt puppy pads are very painful and can become a serious infection issue quickly. Imagine yourself walking barefoot on asphalt in the summer. I did that a few times when I was young; what a mistake. Ouch! Walk your collie when it’s cooler outside and preferably in shaded areas.
• When you’re out and about with your collie, don’t let your collie drink from stagnant water sources. These often have bacteria and mold that will make your collie very sick. Vomiting collie is horrible.
• Never, ever leave your collie unsupervised around a swimming pool.  They can easily drown. If you have a pool, train your collie where the stairs are located so they know how to get out. Just like children, keep an eye on your collie , at all times, when they’re in the pool area.

If any of the following occur, immediately call your veterinarian or animal emergency hospital:

• Rapid breathing with an increased heart rate.
• Your collie  has discolored gums–collies with heat stroke have dull gray or pink gums instead of the normal red-pink color.
• Your collie  is disoriented–they are unaware of their environment.
• Your collie  isn’t listening or obeying commands, seems lost or scared.
• Your collie  has a wild or panicked expression.
• If you suspect your collie  may have heat stroke, first call your veterinarian or animal emergency center. Secondly, to help bring your collie’s temperature down do the following:
• Gently place a cool wash cloth on the un-haired belly area. Keep rinsing the cloth with fresh cool water and applying until your collie  is calmer (this should only take about 5 minutes).
• Nothing in this article is a substitute for getting your collie  to the veterinarian or animal emergency hospital. Get your collie  checked out if you have any doubts.
• With the temperatures rising all over, be aware & make adjustments when necessary to take the very best care of your collie.   If you have questions or concerns, talk with your veterinarian or veterinary technician. It could save your canine family member’s life.

About the Author:
Miss Debra Rae has been around animals her entire life. For years she ran a veterinary clinic and an animal emergency center. She continues to research and write about dogs who are indeed man’s best friend. Visit Miss Rae’s website by clicking here and find a ton of information for your furry canine family member.

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