Missouri summers and a large working dog
Heat is the weather risk Missouri owners should plan for first. A thick-coated, muscular dog needs a plan before July arrives.
The state's own warning
In a June 2017 heat release from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, director Dr. Randall Williams said, "please, never ever leave a pet or child in a car," and described heat as posing grave dangers to the elderly, children and pets. Treat that as the rule for every errand, even a short one.
Warning signs worth knowing
A veterinary college in a neighboring state, NC State's small animal emergency service, lists the following signs of overheating: excessive panting or trouble breathing, a faster heart and breathing rate, glazed eyes, drooling and weakness. Its advice is to move the dog into shade or air conditioning, apply cool rather than cold water and reach a veterinarian quickly.
Setting up a Missouri yard
- Provide shade that lasts all afternoon, not just at noon.
- Keep water in a container the dog cannot tip over.
- Give the dog an indoor place to cool off.
- Test the pavement with the back of your hand before a walk.
- Ask the seller how the dog has handled summer so far.
What a professional should be able to tell you
A genuine working-dog professional will talk plainly about conditioning, rest and cooling. If the answer is that the dog is tough enough to ignore the weather, keep looking.
Living in Missouri and ready to talk?
Give K9PN your Missouri ZIP code and what the dog would be for. A professional who works near you can follow up.
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