Hey there, Fellow Dog Lovers! đŸ With summer in its full peak, I feel itâs the ideal time to talk about something of super importance i.e, Heatstroke In Dogs. Our furry buddies love to enjoy under the sun much like we do. However, this is also true that nowadays enjoying under the sun is not worth the risk for you or your dear friend. Due to global warming you are forced to forget this old habit and make beautiful moments from within the four walls of our homes.
Whatever the case, it would be a big mistake for you or your furry friend to stay out in the open during these hot summer days. In our comparison they can get overheated much more quickly.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to keep your pup safe and cool during those hot days.
What is Heatstroke In Dogs?
 Heatstroke, also identified as Hyperthermia, occurs when the body temperature of a dog rises to dangerous levels and they fail to cool themselves down.  It is a serious condition caused when the dog has a prolonged exposure to high temperatures or does vigorous activity in hot weather.
Dogs typically regulate their body temperature through panting, but when it’s extremely hot outside or they exert themselves too much, this natural cooling mechanism can fail.
Watch for signs like excessive panting, drooling, faster heart rate, red or pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea, or weakness, etc. In worst cases, it can lead to organ failure, seizures, or even death.
You must get the temperature of your dog checked in case you see some of these signs together. A normal body temperature for dogs ranges from 101°F to 102.5°F (38.3°C to 39.2°C).
Heatstroke can be considered the case when the body temperature surpass 104°F (40°C).
Certain breeds, specially those with short snouts like Bulldogs, and Pugs, plus the overweight, elderly, or sick dogs, are at much higher risk.
Heatstroke Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For
It’s crucial to identify the signs and symptoms of heatstroke and work on the cure as early as possible. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:
Excessive Panting: Excessive or heavy panting is the most evident sign. If your dog is panting more than on usual days, take notice.
Drooling: Excessive drooling, especially if itâs thicker and stickier than regular.
Red Gums and Tongue: Check their gums and tongue for if they have turned to a bright red color.
Rapid Heartbeat: You can consider it as as a warning sign. A faster-than-normal heartbeat can be big sign that the dog is exhausted from excessive heat, or suffering from heatstroke.
Vomiting and Diarrhea: Sometimes, dogs may well vomit or suffer diarrhea when affected with heatstroke.
Feeling Lethargic or Weak: If your dog appears to be unusually lethargic, exhausted, or weak, they might well be overheating.
Dizzy or Confused: In severe cases, they might appear to be confused, stumbling, or disoriented. As a worst consequence your dog may well have seizures.
Collapse: In extreme cases, the dog might collapse and turn unresponsive.
First Aid for Heatstroke in Dogs
If you notice any of the above mentioned signs in your dog and suspect sun stroke to be the reason, you need to act fast! Here’s what you should do:
Take them to a Cooler Area: Straightaway get your dog out of the heating environment and into a cooler environment, whether thatâs indoors with air-coolers or air conditioner. If you cannot do that, at least take them in the shade.
Give Water to Drink: Give your dog to drink small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water. However, donât force them to drink.
Try Cooling Them: You can use cool (not ice-cold) water to wet your dog fur. Use a hose, wet towels, to cool them out or can make them lie in a shallow pool of water. Itâs best if you check on their belly, paws, and armpits.
Use a Fan: If possible, keep a fan near your dog to help lower the body temperature of your dog.
Contact Your Vet: Even though your dog appears to be recovering, contact your vet. Itâs important as Heatstroke can cause internal damage that may well not be visible.
Prevention Against Heatstroke
Prevention is forever considered better than the cure. Thus letâs explore some tips to prevent heatstroke in your furry friend:
Avoid the Heat: Obviously, you have to keep your four legged friend away from excessive heat. Thus, try to walk your dog during the cooler times of the day, like early morning or late evening.
Provide Shade and Water: Always assure that your dog has access to shade and fresh water when he is outside.
Avoid Leaving Them in a Closed Vehicle: Even though, you can keep the car window open a little, for the dog to breathe, the temperature inside a car can arise a lot within minutes.
Identify Your Dogâs Limits: A few breeds, specially brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs and Pugs), aged dogs, and those having health issues are more sensitive against heatstroke. You need to be extra cautious with them.
Use Cooling Products: Products like Cooling mats, vests, and bandanas can help you keep your dog comfy and unagitated during the hot days.
Physical Activities or Exercise: Donât over- exert your dog during the hot weather season. You must keep the play sessions short and make sure they have plenty of breaks.
Fun Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool
Summer doesnât have to be a bummer for your puppy! Here are a few wonderful and fun ways to keep them cool and entertained:
Doggy Pool Party: Set up a kiddie pool in your house backyard and let your dog splash around. Itâs a fun way to make him stay cool plus burn up some energy.
Frozen Treats: Prepare some homemade frozen dog treats using their best-loved ingredients like yogurt, peanut butter, or fruits.
Ice Toys: You can freeze your dog’s toys or can fill a Kong with their favorite goodies and then freeze it. It can be a great way to keep them occupied and stay cool.
Cool Walks: Head with your dog to more cooler places like a shady park or wooded trails. As these places are naturally cooler, your dog will enjoy itâs time there.
Indoor Fun: On days with scorching heat, play indoor games like hide and seek. You can even teach them some new tricks. It can be good for your buddy as mental stimulation can sometimes be just as tiring as physical exercise.
Heatstroke and Various Dog Breeds
Not all dogs handle the heat the same way. Here are a few considerations you need to make, based on the breed:
Brachycephalic Breeds: Dogs with shorter snouts, like Bulldogs, and Pugs face a harder time breathing and cooling themselves down through panting. They are at a much higher risk against sunstroke.
Double-Coated Breeds: Dogs with thick fur like Huskies, Malamutes, and Akitas are built for colder climates. They need a lot of care during hot weather as they can overheat quickly in the summer.
Small Breeds: Smaller dogs can often handle heat better than larger dogs as they have a larger surface area comparative to their size, which helps them with cooling fast. However, they can still be at risk if not monitored closely.
Active Breeds: High-energy dogs, like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds, might push themselves harder and thus overheat faster. You have to keep an eye on them during vigorous play.
When to Seek For Emergency Help
You can often manage mild heat exhaustion at home, whereas severe heatstroke is a medical emergency. Seek for veterinary help straightaway if:
Your dogâs temperature gets equals to or gets higher than 104°F (40°C) and doesnât drop-off with cooling methods.
They are vomiting, suffering from diarrhea, or displaying signs of shock (pale gums, rapid heart rate).
They collapse, have seizures, or become unresponsive.
Parvovirus in Dogs
Seek for instant veterinary help. Unlike heatstroke, which is caused by external environmental factors, Parvo virus spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or contaminated objects.
Parvovirus in Dogs is one of the potentially deadly threat and a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects puppies, attacking their gastrointestinal tract, leading to severe vomiting.
Conclusion:
Heatstroke in dogs is serious issue, however with the right knowledge and precaution, you can keep your furry friend risk-free and cheerful all summer long. Pay attention to the above mentioned signs. Act quickly if you have a suspicion for heatstroke, and relish the warm weather responsibly.
After all, we consider our dogs as family, and thus want to ensure they have as much fun as we doâwithout the risk of overheating.
Stay cool⊠Dog lovers, and give your furry friend an extra belly rub from my side!
Listen our Podcast on Heatstroke in Dogs:
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