15/06/2021
This is Nala.
She is a young fit Labrador who was playing football on a overcast 21⁰c day.
At 1.30pm she was rushed to Hook Vets with heat stroke.
Her temperature was at a whopping 41.3⁰c. A dogs normal temperature range is 38 - 39⁰c
Heat stroke can cause irreversible damage or even death. Thankfully her owner noticed and reacted quickly and Nala is doing well 💜 His quick actions saved her life.
Dogs that are more prone to heat stroke are old dogs, overweight dogs, flat faced breeds and puppies. However any dog of any age or breed or fitness can get heat stroke.
Signs of heat stroke are:
⚠️ Faster, heavier breathing
⚠️ Excessive thirst and drooling
⚠️ Increased heart rate and pulse rate
⚠️ Dark coloured gums/ tounge (red/purple)
⚠️ Glassy eyes
⚠️ Staggering or weakness
⚠️ Seizures
⚠️ Unconsciousness
If you think your dog has heat stroke DO NOT throw cold water on them as this can cause the body to go into shock.
On warm days you can help your dogs by:
✅ Restricting exercise
✅ Make sure they have access to cool, shaded areas
✅ Give them access to fresh water
✅ Walking them first thing in the morning or last thing at night when it's cooler
✅ If your pet is over weight start them on a weight loss journey
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