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  • Heatstroke in Dogs: It Can Be Serious!

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    Just like with people, dogs can struggle with the heat. They can overheat and get heatstroke, which can be deadly to them! For this reason, you need to understand what heatstroke is and how you can prevent it. You also need to know the signs that you should look for, as well as what you can do if your dog overheats or you find yourself dealing with a dog with heatstroke.

    So, what is heatstroke?

    Heatstroke is a condition that dogs get when they are outside in the heat and their bodies can’t find a way to cool off. Though they may sweat a little through their paws, there are times when panting isn’t enough to cool them down!

    Once a dog’s body temperature is one hundred and five degrees (or higher), they start to suffer from heatstroke. This can damage their organs and make them sick. Their organs may start to shut down, and it can be fatal!

    What are the signs of heatstroke?

    I recently wrote an article about overheating in dogs. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, you can check it out here.

    Basically, here are the signs that you need to keep an eye out for.

    • Heavy panting, which can turn into heavy breathing
    • Drooling
    • Increased heart rate
    • Vomiting and diarrhea (with or without blood)
    • Disorientation
    • Lethargy
    • Weakness
    • Seizures
    • Death
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    What are some causes of heatstroke?

    The simple truth is that there are certain characteristics which make certain dogs more likely to suffer from heatstroke. This can be:

    • Age. Younger puppies and older dogs struggle more with the heat than adult dogs.
    • Breed. Certain breeds are more likely to suffer from heatstroke. This includes breeds with thick fur, as well as dogs that struggle to breathe on a regular day due to their flat face.
    • Being overweight. Overweight dogs are going to struggle with the heat more than dogs that are at a healthy weight.
    • Medical conditions. Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease and laryngeal paralysis can make it harder for dogs to deal with the heat.

    That being said, any dog can suffer from heatstroke for the following reasons:

    • Not having enough water. Dogs can get overheated if they don’t have enough water to stay hydrated during hot summer days.
    • Spending too much time in the hot sun. Just like us, dogs need time out of the direct sunlight, whether they hang out in the shade or they spend time indoors in the air conditioning.
    • Exercising during the hottest part of the day. You may need to stop taking long walks with your dog when the temperature is too hot.
    • Leaving a dog in the hot car. Too many dogs get left in a hot car and suffer from overheating due to it!
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    What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke?

    When a dog first becomes overheated, heat exhaustion can set in. Dogs can be lethargic and weak. They may have vomiting and diarrhea. Their body temperature may be normal at this stage of overheating.

    However, if left untreated, it can turn into heatstroke. When this happens, your dog’s body temperature can rise. His or her body organs may start to shut down, and your dog may become unconscious and die.

    How does your veterinarian diagnose heatstroke?

    Heatstroke is often diagnosed by taking a dog’s temperature and observing the clinical signs. Your veterinarian will do a physical examination to make sure that your dog is doing alright.

    Your veterinarian may also request blood work in order to see how your pet’s organs are doing. You want to make sure that the organs haven’t been damaged due to heatstroke.

    What is the treatment for heatstroke?

    The first thing that needs to be done is to get your dog’s temperature down. 

    This means getting him or her out of the hot sun. You may want to take him or her in the air conditioning. If you don’t have air conditioning, you may want to use a fan to help him or her cool down.

    Spraying or wetting your dog may help to cool him or her off. 

    You are going to want to use cool water (not cold) in order to help him or her cool down.

    Make sure that you seek veterinary care. 

    Once your veterinarian diagnoses your dog with heatstroke, he or she will come up with a plan to help. He or she may recommend hospitalization, fluids, and medications, depending on your dog’s condition.

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    Heatstroke can be a fatal disease that your dog can get from being outside in the hot sun for too long! Because of this, you need to be careful with your dog (and yourself). Make sure that you and your dog have a way to get out of the hot sun and, during the hottest part of the day, you may want to stay inside in the air conditioning.

    If your dog is showing signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, you need to get him or her cooled down. You should look for lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and even disorientation. However, you don’t want to cool him or her off too quickly! Make sure that you seek veterinary care so that your dog has the best chance of living a long and healthy life.

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    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • What Can You Do If Your Pet Overheats?

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    I recently wrote an article about keeping your pets cool in the hot summer sun. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, you can check it out right here.

    Just like us, we have to worry about our pets overheating. They aren’t able to cool off as easily as us, which makes it even more common for them to suffer from heatstroke.

    So, how can you figure out that your dog is overheating?

    One of the first things you may notice with a overheating dog is that they pant excessively. 

    So, what is excessive panting? If your dog is breathing as he or she does after exercise, just walking around the block, you may need to worry that your dog is getting too hot.

    Dogs that are hot may also drool more than usual. 

    Though many breeds drool more than others, the truth is that when a dog starts to overheat, he or she may drool more than normal. Excessive drooling helps a dog cool off more efficiently than panting.

    You may even notice that your dog’s heart rate is faster than usual. 

    This means that your dog’s heart is pumping more than normal, to keep his or her blood moving away from his or her vital organs. You may even notice that your dog’s heart rate is irregular, as it struggles to cool off.

    Then, your dog may start breathing really rapidly. 

    This is a sign that your dog can’t get enough oxygen to help him or her cool off from overheating.

    Your dog may also become quite lethargic. 

    He or she may stop moving so that your dog can cool down.

    He or she may even have trouble walking around and may seem disoriented. 

    As the body struggles to get enough oxygen, you may notice that your dog stumbles around when trying to walk. Many don’t really know where they are and may wander around and run into things.

    Vomiting and diarrhea are quite common with severe dehydration. 

    You may even notice blood in the vomit or diarrhea.

    If this continues, your dog may eventually collapse and show other neurologic signs. 

    Seizures can be common as your dog tries to cool off from being overheated.

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    What can you do if your dog or cat is overheating?

    You need to get your dog out of the hot sun. 

    If you are able, get your dog into the air conditioning. If not, at least get him or her into the shade. If you are home, but you don’t have air conditioning, you may want to put him or her in front of a fan.

    Wet your dog down with cool water. 

    Though you want to cool your dog down, you can’t use cold water because it can be just as dangerous to cool him down too fast.

    Keep an eye on his or her temperature. 

    Once your dog’s temperature is at one hundred and three degrees, you can stop trying to cool him or her down with water. You can even take the fan off of him or her.

    Make sure that he or she gets something to drink. 

    Dehydration is very serious, so make sure that as soon as your dog is able, you give him or her cool water. You don’t want to use water that is too cold. Some people put ice in their pet’s water, but that isn’t a good idea when they are that overheated.

    Seek veterinary care. 

    Overheating and heatstroke can be life-threatening, so it is a good idea to get your dog checked out by the veterinarian. He or she may need some extra care to ensure that everything is going to be alright.

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    Just like people, dogs can overheat and find themselves in serious trouble. They can suffer from heatstroke, and this can be fatal. For this reason, you really need to keep an eye on your dog when he or she is outside in this heat.

    If you notice that your dog is panting and struggling in the heat, you need to find a way to cool him or her down. Just remember that you can’t do it too fast. Get him or her inside with the air conditioning or a fan. Wet him or her down with cool water to work on getting your dog cooled off. Then, you should always get him or her checked out by the veterinarian to make sure that everything is fine.

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    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Tips to Keep Your Pets Happy As Summer Heats Up

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    As June gets closer to July, which quickly turns into August, the temperatures are getting hotter and hotter. In fact, there are many days when it feels suffocating to step outside your home!

    Just as we have trouble in the heat, our pets can also. They can also get overheated and suffer from heat stroke. Just like it can be terrifying for us, it can be for them too. It can be deadly, so you need to be prepared to help your pets throughout these hot summer months!

    Here are some ways that you can help your pet this summer.

    Make sure that your pets have plenty of water. 

    Your pets need to drink plenty of water in order to cool down and stay hydrated. You may even want to add some ice cubes to your pet’s water to help keep him or her cool.

    Your dog may enjoy having a pool. 

    Just like we like to jump in the pool to cool down, there are many dogs who love splashing and playing around in a baby pool.

    This may help keep them cool, especially when they have been active outside. However, they may just enjoy it, even if they weren’t running around and playing. It can just be a nice way to cool off.

    Amazon offers many different doggie pools, like this one, to help keep your dogs as cool as possible this summer!

    Product Available on Amazon

    Do your best to keep your pets in the shade. 

    Lying around in the sun can be nice, but everyone needs a place where they can get out of it! If your backyard doesn’t have any shade trees, you may want to look into a dog house or shed where your pets can hide.

    If there aren’t many places to hide, make sure that you look under your vehicles before you leave. 

    Many animals will hide in the shade of a vehicle, and can get run over when their owners leave. For this reason, you need to look around before you drive off.

    Be careful with exercise. 

    On really hot days, you might not want to take your dog on his or her usual five-mile walk. That may be too much. You can take shorter walks instead. You may want to get up early before the day gets too hot, or wait until it is cooler in the evening. Some people may do a mile in the morning and one in the evening to still get their dog (and themselves) some exercise.

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    When you do go out, make sure that you take plenty of breaks. 

    Don’t overdo it. If you or your dog needs to take a break, do so. Take along plenty of water so that both of you can stay hydrated while you are out. And if you need to stop early, please do so for the health and safety of you and your pet.

    Never leave your pets in a hot car. 

    It is way too hot to leave your pets in the hot car, even with the air conditioner running. It doesn’t take long for your car to get over one hundred degrees, which can really hurt your pet (if not kill him or her).

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    The best way to keep your pets happy and healthy as the temperatures rise is to make sure that they have enough water. If you have a dog that loves to play outside, a kiddie pool may be the best. It is a good way for them to cool off after a good romp. You should also make sure that there is plenty of shade in your yard, so that they can get out of the sun if needed.

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

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    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.