How to Protect Your Dog from Dangerous Heat
Small Brown Terrier Dog Playing with Water Hose
For some dogs, it doesn’t take much for them to get overheated with potentially dangerous consequences! Below, learn how to protect your dog from dangerous heat.
How Hot is Too Hot?
It does not take extreme heat for our dogs to overheat. Even “mild” temperatures (in the 70s) or unsupervised strenuous activity can result in an overheated dog!
All K9 breeds are susceptible to overheating, but dogs:
With flat, pushed-in faces and short noses.
With long hair.
Who are very young or very old.
With heart or kidney disease, or
That are obese are at greater risk.
Five Symptoms of Too Much Heat
Keep a close watch on your dog when spending time in the warm outdoors and know the signs when your dog is beginning to overheat.
Chocolate Labrador Retriever Laying on the Ground and Panting
Panting
Dogs cool themselves by panting, but excessive panting is a cry for help!
Saliva & Drool
Thick, sticky-looking saliva, increased salivation or excessive drooling are warning signs!
Brightly Colored Gums
Bright red gums (potential heatstroke) or blue gums (lack of oxygen) require immediate attention!
Disorientation
Head tilting
Walking in circles
Tripping, staggering, falling or collapsing
Unable to stand
Eyes darting back and forth
Muscle tremors
Rapid heart rate
Sudden Vomiting or Diarrhea
These symptoms can also lead to another dangerous side effect, dehydration.
Four Actions to Take for an Overheated Dog
Small Pomeranian Dog Drinking Water from Bowl
As Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The same wisdom applies to your dog’s well-being in the heat!
Keep Him Hydrated!
PupBox recommends offering your dog clean, fresh water at least once every hour and even more often with higher temperatures and strenuous activity. But never force a dog to drink!
Keep a Constant Eye on Your Dog!
Dogs will often push themselves beyond what is safe especially if they are having fun or playing with other dogs. Keep your eye on your dog to keep him safe from too much heat with early intervention.
Small Bulldog Laying in the Grass in Shade
Seek Out the Shade!
Periodically remove your dog from the direct sunlight by allowing him to cool down in a shaded area. Offer him some fresh water and cool off his paws.
Go Inside!
If all else fails, take your dog inside to ensure he stops all activity and completely cools down.
WARNING:
Do NOT immerse an overheated dog in cold water or an ice bath!
Such a drastic temperature change is dangerous.
Cold water will constrict the skin’s blood vessels
reducing all heat loss.
K9 Heat Exhaustion or K9 Heat Stroke?
Mild overheating exhibits as heat stress and heat exhaustion. Intervene and address any overheating before it escalates to life-threatening heat stroke (or hyperthermia).
DogLab: 13 Tricks to Cool Down Your Dog in Hot Weather
Small Wet Brown and White Dog on the Beach
Untreated heat exhaustion without immediate attention and the replenishment of water in your dog’s body can lead to dangerous heat stroke. When a dog’s temperature rises to 103 degrees F and above, serious health issues include seizures, brain damage, organ failure, coma and even death. Call your vet or emergency hospital for support and advice!
Keep these tips in mind as you enjoy the summer months with your furry best friend!
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