It’s summertime and heat exhaustion in dogs can occur a lot faster than you may think. If you walk, run or do other outdoor activities with temperatures over 85, knowing the signs of heat exhaustion may save your dog’s life.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Dogs
Early Signs
- Panting
- Increased heart rate
- Increased respiratory rate
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
If you are in need of some basic info on First Aid / CPR, be sure to check out Pet Safety First Aid/CPR.
Urgent Signs
These following signs are severe and time is of the essence, as death may be just around the corner.
- Change of Gum Color
- Weakness
- Stumbling
- Seizures
- Coma
Treatment
If you suspect heat exhaustion in your dog, SEEK VETERINARY ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY!
- Get dog out of heat, if you can not get inside a house or building, seek out the closest shade.
- Use cool wet cloths on the paws and head.
- DO NOT use ice water, as rapid cooling could cause blood vessels to constrict. USE COOL WATER.
- Have ice cubes on hand for your dog to lick.
Even after applying treatment to your dog, continue to seek medical attention. Though they may seem to be doing better, internal body temperature could be high can cause internal organs to be damaged.
Breeds Susceptible to Heat Exhaustion
Any breed that are brachycephalic (smooshed nose), those that are heavy coated, or if your dog has any type of respiratory or heart related diseases. Here is a short list to watch out for:
- English Bulldogs
- Pugs
- Boston Terriers
- Shih Tzus
If you also need some ideas to keep your pet cool while outside, visit 5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Summer. Now that you have the facts and tips regarding summer heat, remember to take care of your self also. Last Friday I promised pictures of regarding the remodeling of the catio into a training center, but with the 105+ heat last weekend, there was no way I was going to be out working either. This weekend our temperatures have dropped so remodeling will continue this weekend.
We are once again happy to be participating in FitDog Friday, hosted by our friend Slimdoggy along with their co-hosts Peggy’s Pet Place and To Dog With Love.
Good points all of them. A friend of mine had a dog suffer from this when they were out hunting – unfortunately it was too late for the dog & the guys was totally devastated. Sometimes it’s hard to tell a dog when to stop & you have to physically force them to stop, rest and cool down. Happy FitDogging
Paws and Pedals (Scooter & Kate) recently posted…Dear Dog Trainer – Questions YOU would like answered
We so rarely have to worry about heat exhaustion here but when we are traveling we take our fit dog time a bit easier and I watch the dogs very closely for any signs. Thanks for this informational post!
Bethany recently posted…Fit Dogs Keep Moving With Delicious @PetNatu rals Hip+Joint Bone Shaped Chews
An interesting article – I didn’t know that certain breeds are more susceptible to heat exhaustion than others.
Pawesome Cats recently posted…Caturday Art – Mumma’s little monster
Great post! It is very important to know the signs of distress for our dogs, especially if we have short-faced breeds that have difficulties breathing. Using cool water on the dog’s belly is also a good way to lower their temperature.
Great post with a great message. It so important in the summer to be aware of this potential. Thanks for sharing and thanks for joining the Hop.
slimdoggy recently posted…Running with your Dog to Burn Calories
Such important tips to remember. It gets really hot here in Atlanta so we rarely do a lot outside midday in the summer. It’s beautiful in the evening though! Have a nice, “cool” weekend!
Diane and Rocco
Diane @ To Dog With Love recently posted…Interval Training With Your Dog
It rarely gets that hot here but Mr. N is also pretty good about letting me know he’s too hot. He’ll flop into the grass.
Great post! Veruca get hot pretty quickly too so we are always watching out for these symptoms. I am looking forward to see the catio training center.
Mark at DBDT recently posted…Nature Walks with Veruca: Cotton Brook
Stay cooowooowoooool! 🙂
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