Hot Weather  
  Heat stress Iis a serious matter for dogs, as well as for people.  
    A dog's normal temperature ranges  between 100 Degrees F and 102.5 Degrees F. When a dog's body temperature rises above the upper limits of its average temperature range, several things happen. For example, the blood temperature rises. The brain then detects this rise in temperature and sends more blood towards the skin to help itcool. It therefore helps a dog,if you can do something to cool its skin.  You can wet down your dog or use products like the MiraCool bandanas to help cool the blood that is close to the skin.  Applying these cooling aids to the dog's pulse points can help the cooling effect extend to the entire body.
    Respiration also increases in an attempt to draw cooler air into lungs and blood. You will recognize increased respiration as panting. Now consider what happens when a dog is placed in a hot, humid environment. The air being inhaled is hot and, therefore, diffusion of body heat through  respiration is not very effective. With this, chances of a dog overheating increase. It is therefore important to move the dog to an environment where the air is cooler and the humidity lower.  In an emergency, you might be surprised how many businesses will let you bring your dog inside, at least for a few minutes.
    Keeping your dog and yourself hydrated is also important during hot weather.  Remember, it is best to avoid an over heating situation from the start. 

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