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Tips on Avoiding Heat Stroke in Dogs

Jun 20th, 2008 by Teri

Heat stroke is frightening and if it happens what do you do? Even in temperatures ranging from 80 degrees and upward, a dog can start panting heavily and it can become worse if they are walking for longer periods.

Dog owners should know that dogs do not have sweat glands they perspire by panting and excessive panting in high heat is a warning sign.

If your dog starts panting with a raspy swollen throat is also a sign of heat stroke, as the symptoms get worse. Put your dog into air conditioning or a cool bath immediately if you see these signs of heat exhaustion. Going into shock and bleeding are the fatal symptoms of heat stroke, which is very dangerous.

Signs of Heat Stroke:

Especially with overweight dogs, panting heavily can be a sign of overheating and vomiting is another symptom.

You have to ask whether it is worth the risk to walk your dog in high heat and if you think it is hot, remember it is much hotter for a dog without sweat glands to offset the body’s heat. An emergency trip to the vet involves IV’s, drugs and other costly treatments.

Warning: do not leave your dog in a car while you go shopping even for milder days and if all the windows are open, temperatures in a parked car can rise to over a 100 degrees in minutes.

Symptoms: to watch out for are: thirst, headache, nausea, sluggish, higher body temperature, sweating, irritability and a raspy throat with difficulty breathing are all signs of heat exhaustion.

An early morning walk is not a safe bet for heat stroke can also occur in higher morning temperatures and the key is not to overly exert your dog. Dogs are also lower to the ground and are getting heat from the earth or sidewalks especially if it is muggy and humid in high heat temperatures. Some dog owners use what is called a “cool coat” and a tube of Nutri-cal.

Just because you do not think it is hot does not mean it is the same for your dog and you must remember dogs usually have a lot more fur on their bodies. Dogs can overheat very quickly and stop breathing or go into shock.

Always bring cool drinking water to reduce body temperature as you are walking your dog in higher temperatures.

Quick Action for Heat Stroke:

Put your dog in a cool bath, or use cool towels to bring the body temperature down. Adminster ½ teaspoon of lemon juice to cut the phlegm in the throat if their throats are raspy. Children’s Benadryl is also administered which is a histamine blocker. When outdoors grab a hose and hose them down as soon as possible.

A Great Summer Treat for Your Dog:

Watermelon is used in Chinese medicine for dehydration and is very good for a dog suffering from heat exhaustion. Watermelon juice does reduce inflammation from (arthritis) asthma, diabetes, cancer and helps during the hot summer months. This type of fruit juice is an excellent source of vitamin A, B6, B1, C, magnesium and potassium. Or just give them a piece of watermelon to nosh on or in a bowl.

More Cool Summer Treats for Dogs:

Other than buying a house with a pool for your dog there are ways to keep them cool without them knowing about it.

Take a cup-sized container or an ice cube tray, fill with cooled chicken stock or fruit juice and freeze until frozen solid. Put outside and let your dog lick it up to cool their body temperature.

Avoiding heat stroke in pets is just using common sense especially with how hot it really is these days and knowing how it can affect your pet - keep them cool.

Written by: Teris

Tags: heat exhaustion, summer juice for your dog, symptoms of heat exhaustion, Heat stroke in dogs, dog, signs of heat stroke, heat stroke in pets, summer treats for dogs, children’s benadryl.