Dog Heatstroke Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, and First Aid
Dogs and Heatstroke ☀️
Summertime means that your dog will most likely be spending a greater amount of time outside. While more ‘fun in the sun’ will do wonders for your dog’s overall physical and mental well being, there are some dangers associated with the nice weather. The following article will deal with heatstroke prevention, warning signs and what to do if your dog is hit with heatstroke this summer.
Preventing Heatstroke In Dogs
- If your dog is outside, make sure there is a shady area
- Make sure that there is plenty of fresh, clean cool water at all times.
- Restrict exercise. Too much exercise when the weather is very hot can be dangerous.
- Avoid places like the beach and concrete or asphalt areas where heat is reflected and there is limited access to shade.
- Wetting down your dog with cool water or allowing him to swim can help maintain a normal body temperature. Feel free to spray them with the hose!
- Air conditioning is one of the best ways to keep a dog cool.
- Freeze water in reusable containers to create lick-able ice blocks.
- Do not leave your pet in a hot parked car even if you’re in the shade or will only be gone a short time.
- Keep pets with predisposing conditions like heart disease, obesity, older age, or breathing problems cool and in the shade. Even normal activity for these pets can be harmful.
Dog Heatstroke Signs And Symptoms
- Increased heart rate
- Excessive panting
- Increased salivation
- Bright red tongue
- Red or pale gums
- Thick, sticky saliva
- Depression
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
- Diarrhea
As heatstroke progresses, it can cause seizures, coma, cardiac arrest, and death.
Dog Heatstroke First Aid: Treatment & Aftercare
- Remove your dog from the hot area immediately.
- Prior to taking your dog to the vet, lower body temperature by wetting it thoroughly with cool water (for very small dogs, use lukewarm water)
- Increase air movement around him with a fan.
- Cooling too quickly and especially allowing his body temperature to become too low can cause other life-threatening medical conditions.
- The rectal temperature should be checked every 5 minutes. Once the body temperature is 39.5C, the cooling efforts should be stopped and your dog should be dried thoroughly and covered so it does not continue to lose heat.
- Even if your dog appears to be recovering, take it to your vet as soon as possible. It is important to check on dehydration symptoms.
- Allow free access to water if your dog can drink on its own.
These lifesaving preventative measures, warning signs and first aid treatment should help you create a safer, more enjoyable environment for your dog this summer.
At Jet Pet Resort, we are always conscious of the weather and the welfare of our guests. First and foremost each member of our staff is trained in animal first aid, which means that we know what to look out for. With two swimming pools and a water misting system that cover half the outside yard, our guests are always comfortable. With over a dozen water stations providing cool freshwater, our guests are never thirsty. There are extensive shaded/covered areas, there is always a breeze on sea island, and our yard staff love having water fun time with our guests. Inside, our temperature-controlled building offers plenty of cool air during playtime and nap time. Jet Pet Resort has developed a summer program whereby any breed of dog can be made to feel comfortable while enjoying the warm weather!