Heatstroke In Dogs ...
aka, Hot Dogs In The Summer Time!

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When the temperature's rising, as well as the humidity, heatstroke in dogs is a condition your pet wants you to bone up on because it can easily become fatal. Not to worry - your dog is lucky because you're going to be hip on the subject after you finish reading this article.

Heatstroke or heat exhaustion can come on quite quickly just from a dog's normal activities and once it does, swift action is needed to bring down the temperature. Unlike humans, Rover has few ways to dump heat and cool off. Here are some ways you can help.

Heatstroke in Dogs - Preventative Measures

Heatwaves or just very warm summer days, are times when dogs need special attention. A few of the following pet safety measures may save your dog's life on these occasions:

• Provide a fresh water supply that cannot be knocked over
• Ask a neighbor to check and/or refresh water if you are gone all day
• Provide significant shaded area away from hot concrete
• Delay unnecessary activity, such as walks, until sundown
• No car trips with the dog
• Never tie up a dog

In short, to avoid heatstroke a dog needs to be hydrated, shaded and cooled off by sufficient ventilation.

Heatstroke in Dogs - The Symptoms

Being aware of the signs of heatstroke will enable you to act quickly if you spot your dog or someone else's dog in danger:

• Rapid panting and restless behavior
• Abundantly salivating
• Bright red lips and tongue
• Vomiting
• Disorientation - not responding to you

In general, an appearance of a thirsty dog in distress.

If you have ever hiked the Grand Canyon on a hot day, as I have, you too may have experienced some of the above symptoms!

Heatstroke in Dogs - Treatment Tips

• Act quickly to get your dog to a cool place
• Get the temperature down by:
  having the dog stand in some cool water for a few minutes at a time
• wetting it down gradually with a hose or wet towels, starting at the feet and working up to the armpits and rest of the body
• Optionally, use a fan if available and/or necessary, until the distress subsides
• Provide water in small doses so that it is not regurgitated

If condition appears more severe and your dog looks very weak, or there is any doubt in your mind, don't hesitate to call the vet.

A Message To Rover For The Future

Try to make sure your owners do not let you get overweight as this puts a lot more stress on a pet in hot weather. Ask them to give you some regular exercise and a healthy diet, because you know a trim doggie is more prepared to deal with any adverse conditions! Stay cool.




NOTE: Information in this article is not intended to take the place of advice from a vet.

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