Dogs and Heatstroke - What You Need To Know

7/8/2015

Day 3 of Dog Week

Heatstroke can easily happen to dogs. Dogs, just like people, are affected by the temperature and exertion level, and if both of them are high, heatstroke can be the result. For all the kidding we do about heatstroke, it is a very serious condition, especially for dogs, and if action is not taken quickly, it can kill them.

So what do you need to know about heatstroke in dogs? How to recognize it, which dogs are more susceptible and what to do about it if it happens would be a great start!

Updated 2019

While heatstroke is more prone to occur when they are locked up in an overheated confined space (like a hot car) it can also happen from over exertion on a very hot day. When a pet's body temperature rises to more than 106 to 109 degrees (F) this is the danger zone for heatstroke. If you see them panting heavily and quickly, with skin hot to the touch, unnaturally red gums and either a blank expression and lethargy or incessant whining and anxious behavior, these are sure signs that a pet is in real trouble. Vomiting may also occur, and collapse. If nothing is done immediately, the pet will go into a coma and die. Are there pets that are more susceptible to heatstroke than others? The answer is yes.

The dogs most likely to suffer heatstroke are:

Short snout breeds like Pekinese, bulldogs and pugs
Older dogs
Dogs that are overweight
Dogs that have airway problems
Dogs that are overweight already ill or have chronic conditions
Dogs that have had heatstroke before
Dogs with heart conditions
Dogs with high energy that run around outside in the heat
Dogs penned or caged in a place with no shade and water
Dogs that have been moved to a hot climate from a cooler one

If you suspect your dog may have heatstroke the first thing you need to do is to lower their body temperature.....FAST! Run a tub of cold water and lay him in it, or spray them down with water from the hose. Fill bags with ice and wrap with towels to pack around your pet in the car on the way to the vet. It is very important that you get your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Rub their legs and skin to help blood circulation on the way.

As a dog owner, the responsibility lies with you to keep your pet safe from heatstroke. NEVER leave your pet in the car, even if it is not that warm. If you are going out and are going to have to leave the car, leave the pet at home. Keep an eye on your pet on hot days. Keep them inside if you have air conditioning, or have a small swimming pool filled with water in your back yard, as well as lots of shade and drinking water, if your dog has to remain outside. Don't put your pet in any situation you would not put a person in.

Doggie Pool

Pets depend on us to care for them, so take that responsibility seriously....especially when the temperature is above 90 degrees.

Tomorrow is Day 4 of Dog Week and I will be sharing my favorite recipes for dog treats, like homemade greenies, homemade organic dog biscuits and more! See you then!

Jade :)

If you are interested in know more about how to keep your dog healthy, I recommend this book, it has all the information you need, and in language you can understand.

The Complete
Healthy Dog Handbook