Summer Heat

One problem that we as volunteers but mostly the dogs have to deal with is something that everyone is very familiar with: the humid heat in Missouri. We are trying not to leave the dogs out for too long in the afternoon, because it’s just too hot for them. Especially the black dogs suffer in the heat. So if you can’t stand the heat wearing shorts and a T-shirt, imagine how you would feel wearing a fur coat in this weather. As humans, dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion. We experienced that at the shelter right after it started getting hot. Chance, a black Border Collie/American Staffordshire Terrier mix (our best guess), started behaving very uncharacteristically: normally he’s a goofy, friendly guy who loves being with people and getting attention (he greats everyone with a great big hug and a wet kiss), but he started being lethargic, not wanting to eat or play. We moved him from an outdoor kennel in an inside kennel, because we thought the heat was too much for him. He seemed to enjoy being inside, but he still seemed to be depressed and not feeling well. Eventually we took him to our vet, and it turned out he was dehydrated.

When dogs are dehydrated they don’t want to drink, because it makes them feel sick. And because they stop drinking they get more and more dehydrated. So, basically, it’s a vicious circle. Chance got fluids at the vet’s and now he’s back being his goofy, loveable self again. We as volunteers learn new things every day, and now we know how dehydration can look like, so when another dog shows similar symptoms, we know what to do. Of course it could be something else, but I’m very glad that for Chance it was such an easy fix.

Chance has been at the shelter for almost two years now. Being part pit bull (at least that’s the assumption) doesn’t make it easy to find a home for him, because many cities and towns have banned the breed. This is a topic for another time, though, because there is so much that I want to say about this topics. Chance deserves a great home, and I’m hoping that the right family or person for him is somewhere out there. He will wait for them as long as it takes. Until that day comes he’s loved at the shelter by all volunteers (especially by Tom and Donna) and he has lots of play time with his girl friend Pandora. Good luck, Chancey! The right people will find you eventually!

So, the best place for your dog during those hot months is inside in air-conditioned houses. They can spend time outside, but not too long! Like you they suffer if they have to stay outside too long in this heat.