06/23/2025
Beat the Heat: Keep Your Dog Safe and Comfortable!
As temperatures soar, ensuring your furry friend stays cool is essential. Be vigilant about pavement temperatures—hot surfaces can lead to painful burned paw pads.
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion in dogs are serious conditions that can arise from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially when combined with high humidity or vigorous exercise. Here’s an overview of the signs, prevention, treatment, and breeds at risk.
Signs
**Heat Exhaustion:**
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Weakness or lethargy
- Rapid heart rate
- Vomiting
- Disorientation or confusion
**Heat Stroke:**
- Elevated body temperature (above 104°F / 40°C)
- Severe panting or difficulty breathing
- Bright red or pale gums
- Vomiting or diarrhea (potentially with blood)
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
- Rapid heartbeat and shock
Prevention
1. Limit Exercise: Avoid vigorous activities during the hottest parts of the day (typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
2. Provide Fresh Water: Ensure your dog has access to plenty of fresh, cool water at all times.
3. Shade and Cool Areas: Make sure your dog has a shaded area to rest in and, if possible, access to air conditioning or fans.
4. Avoid Hot Surfaces: Be cautious about walking your dog on hot pavement, as it can burn their paw pads and contribute to overheating.
5. Monitoring: Always keep an eye on your dog for signs of overheating, especially during hot weather.
Treatment
1. Immediate Cooling: Move the dog to a cooler environment and begin to lower their body temperature gradually. Use cool (not cold) water to wet their body, or wrap them in cool, damp towels.
2. Hydration: Offer small amounts of cool water to drink. Avoid giving ice-cold water, as it can cause shock.
3. Veterinary Care: Regardless of the severity, it’s best to consult a veterinarian immediately after any signs of heat-related illness. They may need to perform further treatments, such as IV fluids or medications.
Breeds at Risk
Certain breeds are more susceptible to heat-related issues, particularly:
- Brachycephalic Breeds: Breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers, are at higher risk due to their compromised ability to pant and cool down.
- Senior Dogs: Older dogs may have a reduced ability to regulate their body temperature.
- Overweight Dogs: Excess weight can inhibit a dog's ability to dissipate heat.
- Dogs with Preexisting Conditions: Dogs with respiratory issues, heart problems, or other health concerns are also at greater risk.
Being aware of these signs and taking proactive measures can help keep your dog safe during hot weather. Always err on the side of caution and seek veterinary advice if you suspect your dog is suffering from heat-related illness.
