Talk:Dog/Draft
Plan for this article (Dog)
This article is aimed to be a reasonably comprehensive but brief introduction to a single (sub)species. Although the article aims to be biologically correct to the scientist, it is aimed at the general reader who is much more likely to be interested in dogs as pets. That interest is used as something of a lure to bring the reader to other biological and social topics in CZ, but is always satisfied by exploring the most pertinent aspects of (1) why dogs make good pets, (2) proper care of pet dogs (3) important factors in choosing and training a pet dog (breed, etc). The language should always be plain, with special terms clearly explained. When possible, the language should be entertaining rather than dull.
APPROVED Version 1.1
Re March 01 2008 approval of Dog/Draft
Congratulations to Aleta Curry and her collaborators for picking up Nancy Sculerati's and her collaborators start of Dog in Dog/Draft, and developing it into a new improved version approved March 01 2008. Let's keep it going. --Anthony.Sebastian 19:45, 29 February 2008 (CST)
heat and dogs
I have heard that German Shepard Dogs are especially sensitive to heat and humidity. Is there a list of dogs subject to easily becoming overheated? David E. Volk 13:59, 14 March 2008 (CDT)
- Good question. It seems to me that my big dogs get hotter quicker and cool down slower than the little fellas, but I've not noticed breed-specificity. As far as I know, all dogs are susceptible to heat because they have limited sweating ability. Not a problem if they can get into the shade and have clean water at hand, big problem if some nimno locks 'em in a car. But then, you and I wouldn't do well locked in a closed car in the sun, either. My guess--just based on logic--would be that brachycephalic breeds (those poor panting pugs!) fare the worst. It bears looking into and I'll put it on my to do list to ask a vet. Aleta Curry 16:38, 14 March 2008 (CDT)
- I was watching a TV show about dogs being trained to be police dogs, and they specifically said that Shepards really need to be watched, and then a few minutes later their dog nearly collapsed and was rushed to the vet in the back of a truck. I have seen the same thing in my Shepard/Rottweiller mix, just on a long walk 1 hour, in the summer. Of course, Galveston, Texas is pretty hot and humid. David E. Volk 18:25, 14 March 2008 (CDT)
- I was at a dog show yesterday. Did I remember to ask? Noooo! But there'll be a couple of big shows and specialites in the next coupla weeks, so I'll check this out some more. Meanwhile, I found this gem, quoting from: Mike Richards, DVM in response to an inquiry about a Mastiff:
- Heat stroke in dogs is not all that uncommon. Dogs do not have an efficient method of handling heat stress because they don't sweat and they don't seem to figure out that they shouldn't get excited or work hard in the heat, either. Heat stroke is most common in the large breeds and in dogs with short noses, so mastiffs are in the group of dogs that are most susceptible to this problem.
- Death from heat stroke can occur pretty quickly. The shortest interval between exposure to high heat extremes and death is about 20 minutes, based on our practice experience, but these have been "closed car" cases. It is probably more common for dogs to experience heat stroke in the first few days they are acclimating to heat and for it to occur in conjunction with excitement or exercise. Most dogs probably take an hour or more to develop heat stroke in these circumstances but if they were struggling with the heat prior to exercising it is possible that the problem could develop more quickly. Any illness that is contributing to an increase in body temperature can also shorten the time period for signs to become severe.
- Aleta Curry 00:21, 16 March 2008 (CDT)