Does summer where you live equal hot dogs? Learn what the signs of heatstroke and hyperthermia are in your dog and what to do about it, from Daniel Zaman, writing for Pet Problems Solved…
5 Signs Your Dog Is Suffering From Heatstroke and Hyperthermia
For dog owners, days of summers can prove to be difficult and worrisome. Dogs face a common yet often-overlooked problem which may turn out to be deadly for their health.
Heatstroke is a condition marked by fever and often by unconsciousness, caused by the failure of the body’s temperature-regulating mechanism when exposed to excessively high temperatures.
For dogs, a temperature above 39° C (103° F) is considered abnormal.
Dogs don’t have sweat glands like humans to cool down their body. They primarily release body heat by panting and Vasodilation (a process of dilating blood vessels and allowing the blood to cool through skin contact).
Dogs do have some sweat glands, located in their paws and it plays a minor part in heat release.
It’s safe to say that heatstroke can cause severe medical complication including death. So, as responsible pet owners, it’s our duty to look out for signs that show our dogs are in distress. Remember it takes proper care along with proper food to ensure a healthy dog.
Here are 5 signs of Heat Stroke in dogs
#1. Heavy Panting
Panting is the most effective way dogs can cool their body temperature. However, there are various levels of panting you need to look out for.
When exposed to hot weather, they pant with a slightly open mouth. As their body temperature rises and their panting also increases. It’s accompanied by a swollen tongue which hangs by the side.
As soon as you see your dog panting heavily, take him to a shady cool spot. Someplace with a fan or air conditioning works better. Don’t forget to give fresh water to your dog.
#2. Excessive Drooling
Some dogs drool, but there is a reason why excessive drooling can be an alarming sign. In hot temperatures, this can mean that your dog has a difficult time cooling his body.
The excess saliva excreted from the mouth helps the dog to dissipate heat better and faster than just panting.
Don’t wait for them to drool like a running tap. Take them inside to cool off before that happens.
#3. Frequent Breaks or Lethargic Behaviour
Summer heat can be tiring for dogs. You may notice your dog taking more breaks during a stroll or outdoor activity. This lethargic feeling in your dog is a clear sign that they may be negatively affected by the heat.
If you notice such behavior, allow them to take a breather and move them indoors. Offer them water but make sure they don’t drink too fast.
In some cases, dogs may collapse from heatstroke. If so, then cool down his body temperature using copious use of water on his coat and rush to the nearest animal hospital.
#4. Fast and Irregular Heartbeat
Irregular heartbeat is one of the most overlooked signs of heatstroke. Healthy dogs have a slower heart rate. The normal rates change from 60-140 in resting dogs.
The secondary way that dogs dissipates body heat is through Vasodilation. The fast heartbeat means that the dog’s body is pumping the overheated blood away from vital organs and to the extremities.
The moment you see this happening to your dog, take them to a veterinarian or animal hospital.
#5. Other Signs
Besides the previous four, there are a few more signs your dog may exhibit that signify heatstroke and distress.
Most notable of them are –
a) Vomiting
b) Diarrhoea (bloody)
c) Lack of appetite
d) Neurological signs (stumbling, seizures, etc.)
e) Red-colored gums
f) Flushed skin (especially near the ear, muzzle, and underbelly)
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These signs indicate that the dog is suffering from internal organ damage, secondary to heatstroke. It can lead to death if treatment isn’t administered quickly.
If you see any of these signs at any point in or after being in heat, take emergency actions. Take your dog to a veterinarian or an animal hospital immediately.
How to Treat Heatstroke in dogs
While waiting for an ambulance or your vet to arrive, there are a few things you can do which will save your dog’s life. Firstly, you need to bring down his body heat. Use normal water as iced water may be counterintuitive.
Check your dog’s temperature as you start pouring water and keep on checking every 10 minutes. Do not stop cooling him until you reach 103°F.
How to Prevent Heatstroke in dogs
As responsible dog owners, we should always aim for prevention rather than treatment. Preventing heatstroke in dogs is quite easy and if you practice them it will become a habit and save you a lot of trouble in the future.
Smushy faced (brachycephalic) such as Shih Tzu, Pekingese, English bulldogs, French bulldogs, etc should be given extra care during hot weather as their anatomy prevents them from panting properly.
Always provide your dog easy-access to fresh water and shade. Never leave your dog inside of a parked car, even with the windows open. If you’re going for a hike, make sure your dog is accustomed to such extensive exercises. If there are ponds or water bodies nearby, cool them off.
Summer is a time of fun. And with proper care, you and your dog can easily beat the heat and enjoy this magical time to the fullest!
About the Author:
This article is a guest post. It has been contributed by Danial Zaman on behalf of FeedFond. Danial is a senior content writer there. He loves writing about dogs and other animals. This article is a reflection of his experience with his dog Gemmy. Hope you enjoy this!
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