My Giant Schnauzer has taken to spending the day UNDER our RV.  She can see the world from her perch, but it's cooler there and she's happy.  Unfortunately when she comes in, she's covered with dry red clay and little poofs of red dust follow her around the house!!

But keeping her inside when it's so hot is difficult too.  The rooftop AC unit can't keep up with the heat during the day.  My friends refer to it as my "tin can" and on days like these, it heats up quickly -- just like a tin can.  So some days we all end up outside under a tree for the afternoon.  Ms. Zelda has had more baths in the last two weeks than she's had in the last 2 years.  Keeping dogs cool in this weather is difficult. Zelda often walks around here wearing a wet towel (I call it her Super Dog Cape) -- and I keep a fan on floor level for her.  She knows where to lay down in here to take full advantage of  the fans and breezes. 

Heat Stroke:

Please NEVER leave your pets in your vehicle during summer heat.  Even with windows cracked, heat inside the vehicle quickly becomes unbearable.  Think how YOU would feel sitting in that car, with no AC running and the sun pouring in the windows.  And your dog can't ask someone walking by for help.  So during the horrible heat of summer, please do the sensible thing and leave your pets at home if you are unable to take them into the store with you.  Remember, even a quick run into a bank may be protracted if the person in line ahead of you encounters problems.

Heat stroke is a serious issue for both humans and animals.  Remember, by the time you feel the effects of the heat, you are well on your way to trouble.  In humans stomach and leg cramps are common signs of dehydration.  In animals, listlessness, nausea/vomiting and obvious weakness (inability to walk) are important signs of heat stroke.

Start by putting cool water on their tummy and the insides of their legs == the blood vessels are close to the surface there.  Using a cool wet cloth to wipe out the ears helps too.  Many folks keep kiddie pools for their fur children.  Some dogs like to play with a hose.  Make sure they have access to plenty of cool, clean water.  I put ice cubes in the water bowl and use a large pail outside.  Keep Gatorade or Pedialyte in the house for emergencies.

If you fear heat stroke, wet the dog down immediately with tepid water.  A dog's rectal temperature is normally in the 101-102 range.  Once the internal temperature hits 106, brain damage is imminent.  As with humans, by the time one sees signs of heat stroke, it's generally an emergency.  Immediately get the dog into cool water.  Do not use ice water as it will shock the dog.  If possible, get the dog to drink some water (or Gatorade/Pedialyte to replace electrolytes).  With heat stroke there can be damage to internal organs which may not show up for several days.  If the dog continues to be listless or unable to walk, wrap him/her in wet towels and make a fast dash for the vet.  They may need to administer fluids via IV to deal with the issue.

Remember even walking may be painful on the hot pavements and driveways.  You wear shoes.  They do not.  Make sure your pets have plenty of shade, cool water and don't leave them outside in the heat and humidity.  I've rescheduled several appointments rather than leave my critters in the RV in this kind of  heat.  I worry what might happen if the power went out and I were not here.  Living in an RV is a different environment with its own set of issues.

Please watch your animals carefully during these hot days.  Remember, as with toddlers, they can't tell us how bad they feel.  And most times they won't exhibit signs of a problem until it is already advanced.  It is up to us to take necessary precautions and make sure they are safe.