Dogs love being outside and they will be extra excited if playtime is involved. However keeping things in moderation will help your dog avoid heat stroke. Whether you’re at the park, beach, or anywhere in the sun, here are some early signs of heat stroke so you can get your dog out of danger:
Excessive panting is one of the first signs that your dog is too hot. If it’s an especially hot day keep your pet indoors at all times, other than bathroom breaks. If your dog is outside at a picnic or other location, find some shade for the dog, or take it inside an air conditioned car. Remember your dog has layers of fur that will cause it discomfort before you become uncomfortable.
Another potential warning sign of heat stroke in dogs is reddened gums, rapid heart beats and excessive drooling. The drooling and panting will likely come first. If so check the dog’s heart beat and notice for any potential irregularities and how fast it is beating. If anything is abnormal take your dog to the vet immediately.
You may not notice that the dog has heat stroke until after the warning signs have passed. If your dog is producing small or no amounts of urine, it is likely dehydrated, possibly due to heat stroke. Your dog may also change its behavior and walk, almost like a drunk person. You should immediately give the dog water and call your vet’s emergency number if it exhibits any of these characteristics.
In addition to getting the dog out of the heat, there are other immediate steps you can take to cool it. Put the dog in a bathtub with cool (but not freezing cold) shower that will cover the whole body. Let the water build, don’t drain the shower water, which will gradually cool the dog. You can also use a garden hose if you aren’t near your home. In either event keep the dog’s head above the water.
You can also use a cold pack on the forehead to cool your dog. Even a frozen dinner, veggies or anything cold will do the trick. Let your dog drink as much water as it wants, and add a pinch of salt in the water. Just like humans drink sports drinks with sodium the pinch of water will help replace minerals.
Heat stroke can cause major organ troubles in your dog. If you think your dog has suffered heat stroke cool it down immediately and contact your vet for an emergency consultation if conditions don’t rapidly improve.
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