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Especially when summer approaches, our dogs are subjected to high temperatures. If you don't take the necessary measures, excess heat can even be fatal to your pets.
Since they do not have sweat glands all over their bodies, puppies cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as humans, although they can eliminate it by panting and by sweating through the pads and other outlying areas, such as the belly.
Would you like to know what the symptoms of a heat stroke in dogs and what to do to prevent? Continue reading this PeritoAnimal article.
Dog heat stroke symptoms
The heat stroke can have serious consequences on the animal: renal failure, liver failure, generalized organ failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, loss of sugar and salts, etc.
Brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldog, Pug, Boxer, etc), those with long hair and those originating from cold climates (Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, São Bernardo, Samoyed, etc.) suffer especially at this time of year. Puppies with obesity, very young or old, are also the most susceptible.
These are the most common symptoms of heat stroke in dogs:
- Excessive panting and tachypnea (very fast breathing)
- Elevated body temperature (greater than 42 °C). The normal temperature is between 37.7 °C and 39.1 °C.
- Elevated heart rate.
- Cyanosis (you may notice a bluish tint on the dog's skin and mucous membranes, due to lack of oxygen).
- Imbalances, weakness, muscle tremors
- Abundant salivation.
First aid for dogs with heat stroke
If you have a dog suffering from heat stroke, it is important to note that you should not lower his temperature abruptly. It is best to do this gradually to avoid causing hypothermia.
The ideal will be to transfer it immediately to a veterinary clinic but if you cannot or is something that will take time to get there, you should follow these steps, calmly and without stressing the animal:
- Move the animal to a cool place that does not directly touch the sun. It is a good idea to use the fan to directly cool the animal.
- Apply washcloths of cold (not ice-cold) water to the dog's head, neck, belly, chest and paws. You should not cover it with cold water towels, just apply small cloths or towels.
- Moisten the dog's mouth without forcing him to drink water (forcing the dog can be very dangerous because he can suck up water and it can go into his lungs).
- Use a thermometer to measure the dog's temperature. You should measure it until its temperature is approximately 39 °C.
How to prevent heat stroke in dogs
To prevent our pets from suffering from the typical dog heat, we must take into account the following Preventive measures:
- Do not leave pets locked in cars exposed to the sun, or very hot and closed spaces without ventilation
- Animals must always have fresh, clean water available.
- Avoid going out with the dog during the hottest hours.
- If your pet lives outdoors, make sure it has a shade or a place where the sun doesn't reach directly.
- If your dog has long fur, take him to a clipping center to make a fresher cut and adapted to the summer.
- Let your puppy bathe on beaches or places where it is allowed, always under your supervision.
Also read our article with other tips to relieve the dog's heat.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.