07/13/2024
Dog days of summer are here, festivals are upon us, and as fun as it may seem to take your furry friends out on the town, it is extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.
Dogs can overheat when they can't regulate their body temperature. Some signs that your dog might be overheating include:
• Panting: Frantic or excessive panting
• Salivation: Extreme drooling
• Redness: Bright red membranes in the mouth, gums, or inside of the ears
• Labored breathing: Difficulty breathing
• Slowing down: Stopping or slowing down while walking or running
• Discomfort: Signs of general discomfort or anxiety
• Rapid heart rate: A fast heartbeat
• Wide eyes: Stressed eyes
• Seeking shade: Looking for shade or water sources
If your dog is showing signs of overheating, you can try these steps to cool them down:
1. Move them to a cool, shaded place, like an air-conditioned room or in front of a fan
2. Gently wet their head, body, ears, and paws with cool water
3. Place cool, wet towels on their neck, armpits, or behind their hind legs
4. Offer them small amounts of cold water to drink, but don't force them
5. Check their temperature every few minutes, and stop wetting and fanning them once it reaches 103°F
You should contact your vet immediately if your dog shows severe symptoms like:
Disorientation, Vomiting, Collapsing, Pale gums, Mental dullness, and Loss of consciousness.
Overheating can quickly progress to heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. Most healthy dogs will recover quickly if treated immediately, but some may experience permanent organ damage or die from complications.
