It's so hot out there and summer isn't over yet. It is so important to make sure to provide a cool area for your pets, especially those that stay outside most of the time. I'm sad to say that one client's dog had a heatstroke last weekend and is now dealing with some serious effects of it. The family was hanging out in the backyard including the dog, but she got overheated and it sent her into a seizure. The family was able to cool her off fairly quickly; however, the event has caused some problems that the dog has still not recovered from. I'm telling you this because I want everyone to know how important it is to keep your pets cool outside and how easy it is for them to overheat. Because dogs do not sweat through their skin, it makes it that much more difficult for them to expel heat when it is extremely hot outside.
Signs of Heat Stroke
- Increased rectal temperature (over 104° requires action, over 106° is a dire emergency)
- Vigorous panting
- Dark red gums
- Tacky or dry mucus membranes (specifically the gums)
- Lying down and unwilling (or unable) to get up
- Collapse and/or loss of consciousness
- Thick saliva
- Dizziness or disorientation
What to do if You Suspect Heat Stroke
If you have even the slightest suspicion that your dog is suffering from heat stoke, you must take immediate action.
- First, move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.
- Begin cooling your dog by placing cool, wet rags or washcloths on the body – especially the foot pads, chest and around the head.
- DO NOT use ice or very cold water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body's core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. In addition, over-cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems. When the body temperature reaches 103°, stop cooling.
- Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog's mouth.
- Call or visit your vet right away – even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary (and further testing may be recommended).
Because of the consistent heat we've had this summer, Select Pet Care is being very careful about walking dogs in the middle of the day. We have several clients that require a mid-day walk, and we have cut down the walk time to keep the dogs safe from overheating and overexaustion. Once it cools off a little, we'll pick up right where we left off.
