coupla Qs about dogs and heat

[Two Creeks Farm]

2 of my labs suffered siezures recently. Both are in great shape, and are worked every few days. Doc says heat induced.....only failure we made we feel was to not have them hydrated before hand but in all honesty, we havent ever had this issue until now. On my yellow lab, I saw his skin get blotchy and he started making a weird noise when he reached his mark. Took him inside and within minutes he was down. Not really sure how to hydrate before hand, they always have fresh clean water at all times, maybe need to work them for just a few retrieves and take them to water and allow them to hydrate themselves.

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

I taught my working GSD to "go get a drink". I'd say it and he'd find some water and take a few laps or gulp it down -- depending on how thirsty he was. Since this was a command he had to follow it. I taught him first by praising him for "good get a drink!" When he'd drink on his own, then later, after he was starting to make the connections I would tell him this command in between parts of our training practice. I later insisted he comply be withholding his toys or training until he would drink every time I asked him to. It worked well and was very useful. Not a stupid pet trick at all

 

[patandchickens]

Yup, I've already put 'drinking' on cue (I make a slurping sound), partly cuz it seemed useful but mostly cuz I get bored and he's just SO easily trained

Pat

 

[Okie Amazon]

From a veterinary study:


The results of the first two studies have indicated that ingestion of a dilute glycerol solution is a safe and effective way to induce a mild state of hyperhydration in the dog. The degree of hyperhydration achieved did not have any observable adverse effect on gastrointestinal, renal or muscle function and may instead help these animals maintain hydration while exercising under extreme environmental conditions. These findings may also have clinical applications in the formulation of oral rehydrating solutions. Due to the long lasting effect of glycerol on hydration, glycerol solutions may promote a greater and longer lasting state of rehydration than is presently achievable from standard glucose electrolyte solutions. Further research will undoubtedly clarify the role of glycerol supplementation in the clinically dehydrated patient.


The whole study, if anyone wants to read it: http://www.hydrolyte.us/Arleigh Reynolds-Hydration Strategies.pdf