Hot Dogs

In light of a media story released Feb 2017 about a Qld Police dog (Waco) dying of heat stroke I ask everyone to be vigilant about providing a cool place for your dog to retreat to.  Waco’s handler would be devastated.  I also believe that had this not been a police dog, it wouldn’t have even made the news.

Whilst other folks are cancelling a hike or event due to extreme temperatures the ‘force’ are still out there trying to keep us safe. Police dogs are cared for with the height of vigilance but crime still occurs regardless of the weather.  This particular event happened on one of our hottest days on record whilst tracking an offender.  Dogs can be extremely focused when they are ‘doing’ something and I’ve no doubt this was the case. The problem is that animals don’t always display signs of trouble until the trouble has taken hold. Many a dog with an injured paw would still fetch into pain and then further until he literally couldn’t walk, if his drive was strong enough and if given the opportunity.  Let’s face it, determination and reliability are two of the great qualities which have made dogs such excellent work partners for humans.

In the future there may be a device we can attach to our working animals to monitor things like body temperature.  Then of course each animal is unique in its make up just as people are. My heart goes out to Waco’s handler as the case is investigated due to police dogs being recognised as staff.

Leah & Angela OMeara Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)