How To Identify If Your Dog Is Having A Heat Stroke And Tips On Preventing One

As summer progresses, dogs and other pet owners should be more aware of the dangers and risks of the warm weather. It's crucial to keep in mind that dogs are susceptible to heat-related illnesses, like heat strokes, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Dogs should be monitored during outdoor activities, looking out for signs of dehydration, increased breathing noises, fast breathing or panting, confusion, seizures, vomiting and diarrhea.

Dogs are liable to heat stroke in any hot setting. The most frequent cause is a pet owner's negligence, such as failing to give their dog water or shelter when they are outside.

Heat stroke is more likely to happen to some dogs than others. Dogs breeds like pugs, boxers and bulldogs, who have restricted airways such as brachycephalic breeds, are at higher risks. Even dogs who love to play and exercise frequently need to be properly observed for signs of heat stroke on more humid days.

To understand how to remedy a heat stroke in your dog, first, you need to know what a heat stroke is and how to recognize the symptoms of a dog having heat stroke. 

What Is Heat Stroke?

When a dog's natural body defenses are unable to maintain a safe body temperature, a heat stroke make occur results. Dogs only perspire through their paws. Therefore, panting may not always be sufficient to completely cool an overheated dog off.

Hyperthermia, or fever in dogs, occurs when their internal body temperature rises above the typical range of 103.5 Fahrenheit (F). The dog may experience heat stroke if its body temperature is higher than 105.8F.

Major Symptoms Of A Heat Stroke In Dogs

Dogs who have a heat stroke lives are at risk, and may develop serious health conditions afterwards. You can treat the disease before it becomes too serious by being aware of the early indicators of heat stroke. Some symptoms include: 

• Heavy panting and quick breathing,
• Profuse drooling,
• Dry mucous membranes,
• Bright red gums and tongue,
• Skin that is hot to the touch,
• and an elevated heart rate

These are all early indicators of heat stroke. Dogs with the condition become energetic and may find it challenging to stay balanced.

A dog’s health could worsen with continued exposure to extreme heat and include shock-related symptoms like pale mucous membranes with white or blue gums, an extremely rapid heartbeat, and a drop in blood pressure. If a dog is hyperventilating, it makes the dehydration worse. Dogs may also experience muscle spasms, dilated pupils, an irregular pulse, lethargic, inability to move, uncontrollable urination or feces, collapse, and comatoseness.

Heat stroke or causes of high body temperature are not the same for every dog. These factors range from environmental aspects and eating habits of the dog to the age, breed, or even underlying medical issues that the dog might have. 

Initial Treatment In Case Of Heat Stroke In Dogs?

The best strategy is to always be careful and aware of the condition your dog is in. This decreases your dog’s chances of getting a heat stroke. In such cases, familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat stroke, as well as how to treat it initially to ensure your dog safety. 

The first step in heat stroke therapy is to reduce the dog's body temperature. Stop all activities immediately and assist your dog in cooling off if you observe any signs of heat stroke in them.

• Carry or walk your dog to a cool, well-ventilated environment.
• Use cool (not cold) or tepid water to spray or sponge your dog, paying careful attention to the dog's state. Avoid submerging them in chilly water. Blowing cool air on them with a fan might help.
• Placing a wet towel on your dog might make them worse, instead, have them lay on the towel in minor cases. In a serious emergency, immersion in water or pouring water while moving the water is best.
• Take your dog's temperature if you have a rectal thermometer to keep track. If your dog's temperature is above 106 F, your dog is in dire need of attention. Your first priority should be to bring the temperature down to 103F at least. 
• As soon as the temperature hits 103F or if you are unable to considerably lower the temperature, take your dog right away to the clinic. Dogs with severe symptoms need fluids, medication, assistance, and oxygen. It's crucial to let your veterinarian decide what kind of follow-up care is necessary because complications might not manifest right away.

Tips On Preventing Heat Strokes Or Overheating

The best plan of action is to actively make sure that your dog is not at the risk of getting a heat stroke. You can follow some basic methods to make sure that your dog's body temperature stays at a safe level.

1. Keep your dog away from hot surfaces like asphalt and cement when the temperature is high and outdoors. Being so close to the ground might cause their body to heat up quickly and invite burns on their delicate paw pads. Limit your walking on certain surfaces.
2. You should never shave your dog down to the skin; a modest summer haircut can assist reduce overheating. To protect their skin from the sun, dogs with lengthy coats should have at least one inch of fur.
3. Ensure that your dog has access to clean water. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, give them plenty of cold water and shade.
4. Consider walking your dogs earlier in the day or later in the evening when it is not so humid. Avoid using muzzles during hot days.
5. In the summer, lots of dogs like to swim, play around in wading pools, or run through sprinklers. This may aid in lowering body temperatures.
6. Avoid leaving your dog in a parked car, especially during the daytime. In just a few minutes, a car's interior may achieve oven-like temperatures, frequently exceeding 140 degrees. That quick task could become a catastrophe and endanger your pet's life.

Your dog is a very loyal creature and aims to please you always. As a result, we caution you to be mindful of their needs when you take them outside during hot days or walks, jogs, and playtime. Therefore, it is your responsibility to consider the weather and reduce the time your dog exercises as the temperature rises and be sure to keep them hydrated.

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