As responsible pet owners, we must ensure our dogs are safe and comfortable in hot weather conditions. As summer approaches and temperatures rise, protecting our furry friends from the dangers of heat stroke is crucial. Heat stroke in dogs can cause serious health complications, including organ failure and even death.
In this post, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion in dogs and practical tips and preventative measures to keep your canine companion cool and healthy during the warmer months.
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Dogs
Heat stroke in dogs occurs when their body temperature rises to an unsafe level, typically above 104°F or 40°C. Be attentive to the signs and symptoms of heat stroke in dogs so you can act quickly and seek veterinary care if necessary. Here are some of the common signs of heat stroke in dogs:
1. Excessive panting
2. Rapid heartbeat
3. Vomiting or diarrhea
4. Weakness or lethargy
5. Collapse or inability to stand
6. Thick saliva
7. Bright red gums or tongue
8. Seizures or convulsions
2. Rapid heartbeat
3. Vomiting or diarrhea
4. Weakness or lethargy
5. Collapse or inability to stand
6. Thick saliva
7. Bright red gums or tongue
8. Seizures or convulsions
Move fast if you notice any of these unusual signs in your dog. Carry your dog to a shaded, well-ventilated area and have them drink ice-cold water. Use cool, wet towels or a fan to help lower their body temperature. Contact your veterinarian immediately for further advice or to seek emergency treatment.
Preventing Heat Stroke in Dogs
As responsible pet owners, we must proactively prevent heat stroke in our furry friends. Here are some practical tips to help keep your dog cool and healthy:
Provide plenty of water
Always make sure your dog has clean and fresh water. Keep water bowls in multiple locations around your home and refill them regularly.
Not from the Philippines? Buy this 2 in 1 Feeding and Drinking Pet Bowl from Amazon for the US and other countries.
Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest times of the day
Limit your dog's outdoor activity during peak sun hours, typically between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. If this is a big hassle for you and your dog's daily routine, you can buy an affordable treadmill.
This affordable electric treadmill from Lazada Philippines has a speed range of 1.0 to 12 kilometers per hour. It's a 2.5-horsepower electric treadmill with a shock absorber system. It has speakers, and it can be folded when not in use.
Provide shade
If your dog spends time outside, ensure they can access shaded areas. You can also set up a portable canopy or umbrella for extra shade.
Not from the Philippines? Buy this Sun Shade Sail Canopy Mesh Fabric UV Block from Amazon.
Don't leave your dog in a parked car
Even with the car windows opened and in shaded parking, the temperature inside a parked car can quickly become dangerously hot.
Use pet-cooling products
Consider using cooling products such as cooling mats or vests to help regulate your dog's body temperature.
This Pet Cooling Pad comprises three layers, cool touch ice silk, high-quality cotton, and breathable mesh. This high-tech cooling fiber is more lightweight, breathable, and comfortable than ordinary pet cooling pads.
Not from the Philippines? Buy this Pet Cooling Mat from Amazon.
Keep your home cool
Make sure your home is kept at a comfortable temperature, especially during heatwaves.
A Little Story Time - How we treated our dog from heat stroke
We adopted a senior black labrador retriever, Jordan, a few years back. He was weak when his first owner gave him up, and we successfully nursed him back to health by feeding him premium dog food with high protein.
After a few months, summer came. We went home one night and saw him lying in our garage, panting excessively. We immediately realized that he was having a heat stroke.
We quickly entered the house and grabbed all our water pitchers from the fridge. We got a large towel, soaked it in cold water, and placed it on Jordan's overheating body. We got a sizeable needle-less syringe and fed him water mixed with Hydrite. (Buy Hydrite or Mondex from Lazada Philippines, and always ensure you have any of these in your dog's first aid kit.)
After a few hours, his breathing regulated. We prepared a large basin of iced water near him where he could drink or soak his body (he loved water!). At 5 am that morning, he was active again.
Unfortunately, Jordan's heat stroke relapsed after a few weeks, and we were too late to save him. We just found him one morning lifeless. We learned it was due to heat stroke after reviewing the pet camera.
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