08/01/2024
It's a hot one out there. There is a heat advisory in place for Southern Ontario today with humidity levels going as high as 40C. As pet owners, it is crucially important to recognize heat stroke symptoms in dogs, and how to best prevent heat stroke.
Early signs of heatstroke in dogs can include heavy painting and rapid breathing, excessive drooling, dry and sticky gums, bright red gums and tongue, skin that's hot to the touch, and a higher heart rate. Affected dogs may become hyperactive and may have difficulty maintaining balance or may have sudden collapse.
If you see that your dog is suffering from any of these symptoms, what should you do?
- Take immediate action by contact a veterinary hospital
- Poor cool water over your dogs head, stomach, armpits, and feet. Cool cloths may also be applied to these areas (be sure to replace cloths constantly with cool cloths, or else they will retain the heat)
- Ensure there is a continuous flow of cool air across the dog to help increase evaporative heat loss until treatment is received at your veterinary hospital.
It is important your dogs do not stay outside for a long period of time today. In fact, if your dogs are outside, make sure they are outside for a MAXIMUM of 15 minutes, with access to water.
If you see a dog that has been outside for a long period of time, with no supervision, no access to water, and experiencing any of the above symptoms of heat stroke, we strongly advise you call your local police or the Provincial Animal Welfare Hotline 1-833-9-ANIMAL.
As well, if you find a pet alone in a hot vehicle, please take similar action by calling the above number.
