Summer is not only about outdoor adventures with our fur-babies but also hot temperatures. The truth is—we all get hot, even our dogs. But how do you know your pet is overheating?
What Is Heat Exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion, also called hyperthermia, occurs when your pet’s body temperature rises above a healthy range, and they are unable to regulate their own body heat. This condition ranges from mild heat exhaustion, which can be treated at home, to severe heatstroke, at which point your pet can lose consciousness, run a high fever, or even experience organ failure.
Because dogs primarily pant rather than sweat, they are much more sensitive to heat than humans are. Luckily, heat exhaustion is easily preventable—even in the dog days of summer.
What are the symptoms of dog heat stroke?
The most telling symptom of heat stroke in dogs is excessive panting. Other symptoms may include signs of discomfort such as drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhea, mental dullness or loss of consciousness, uncoordinated movement, and collapse.
Severe heat stroke in dogs can indicate a serious medical problem and cause unseen problems, such as swelling of the brain, kidney failure, intestinal bleeding and abnormal clotting of blood. For this reason, immediate veterinary care is highly recommended.
How to Prevent Heat Exhaustion
- Never leave your doginside a parked car. …
- Make sure your dogdoesn’t stay outside too long. …
- Avoidwalking your dog during peak temperature hours. …
- Keep your house cool. …
- Make sure your doghas enough water. …
- Get a pet sitter and leave your dog at home during your summer vacation. …
Summer can be a lot of fun for you and your fur-babies. Just don’t forget to check on them when checking on the BBQ and the kids.
