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Summer heat can be deadly for dogs, especially short-nosed dogs and senior dogs, so be vigilant.
When a dog gets hot, they pant to try to cool down, but panting doesn’t always cool them down fast enough to prevent a heat stroke. A dog’s normal body temperature is 100-102.5 degrees. If a dog’s body temperature gets over 106 degrees, it can be deadly.
Heat Exhaustion is the early stages of a dog overheating.
Heat Stroke happens when a dog’s body cannot keep his/her body temperature in a safe body temperature range.
When a dog is in the heat exhaustion stage, you can help prevent a heat stroke by taking action to reduce your dog’s body temperature.
Heat exhaustion symptoms may include:
*Diarrhea
*Nausea and vomiting
*Rapid panting
*Reddening skin inside the ears
If your dog is panting and has these symptoms, take them inside to a cooler area, offer your dog a drink, or wet your dog down with lukewarm water to cool him/her. If you are outside and don’t have access to an inside area, find a shaded area, wet your dog down and allow your dog to rest.
Signs of heat stroke include:
- Rapid panting
- Bright red tongue
- Red or pale gums
- Thick, sticky saliva
- Depression
- Weakness and dizziness
- Vomiting – sometimes with blood
- Diarrhea
- Shock
- Coma
Any animal is at risk for a heat stroke if their body temperature gets above 106 degrees, but some dog breeds are more at risk than others. Dogs with heart disease, dogs that are overweight, senior dogs and dogs with short noses are at a higher risk than other dogs and normal activities may not even be possible in the heat.
Dogs that are a higher risk for heat stroke include: pugs, bulldogs, Boxers, Saint Bernards, and Shih Tzu.
Here are some ways to help prevent heat stroke in the summer:
*When it’s hot outside, don’t walk your dog on surfaces like asphalt and cement for long periods of time. These surfaces get very hot and will make your dog’s body temperature go up quickly. These hot surfaces can also burn your dog’s paws. Try to walk in shaded areas or in the grass if possible.
*Make sure your pet ALWAYS has water. When I take Molly for a walk in the summer, I carry a dog water bottle so she can have a drink anytime she needs one. Sometimes, I even pour a little on her back to cool her off.
*Find your dog a pool, a lake, a water fountain, etc… that they can wade in. Turn on a sprinkler in your yard to cool your dog. Water helps bring your dog’s body temperature down.
*NEVER leave your pet in a parked car- NOT EVER… even if you park in the shade or only plan to be gone for a few minutes.
If you suspect your dog is having a heat stroke, acting fast is the key to saving your dog’s life.
* Remove your dog from the area that is hot. Wet him/her down with warm water and use a fan to help cool him/her off if needed.
* DO NOT use ice or cold water. Cooling your dog off too quickly can cause other life-threatening diseases. Offer your dog water, but don’t force them to drink.
*Contact your vet, even if you think your dog will be OK. A heat stroke can cause a dog to be dehydrated and your vet will be able to give your solutions for this problem. Heat strokes can cause shock, respiratory distress, kidney failure and heart issues. Clotting problems are also caused by heat stroke and dogs who have previously had a heat stroke are very susceptible to further heat strokes.
https://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/21665-protect-your-dog-from-summer-heat-and-heat-stroke
Here’s a heat chart to help with figuring out when to take your dog outside and when not too:
Remember... don’t just look at the temperature. Remember to factor in the humidity too. The humidity makes the air feel really heavy and makes it harder for our pets to breathe.
An age of a dog, the breed and how much your dog weighs all play in to how they will handle the heat. Molly (my pug) didn’t have any issues with hot days… until this year when she turned 7 years old. The heat bothers her now much more than it used too. I have changed the times that we walk to allow Molly to go on her daily walk without the threat of heat stroke.
My main advice is: PAY ATTENTION!! You know your dog better than anyone else. Don’t let your dog get overheated. Sometimes, they don’t even realize they are getting too hot… when they are playing. Summer is fun and it’s fun to romp and play in the sun and in the water. Let your pet enjoy the summer with you, but be vigilant about the heat.
Until next time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses,
Candy
