04/06/2022
‼️This is a long post but a super important topic - HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE IN DOGS‼️
I don’t have to tell you not to lock your dog in a hot car with the windows rolled up. Or not to walk them on hot pavement.
But what you may not know is you can lose your dog to heat. Your dog can suffer internal organ damage from heat.
And it doesn’t have to be scorching hot outside. With high humidity and even with mild temps in the 80’s, your dog can suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke from just playing ball outside.
I want you to be able to recognize the signs and how to take action fast.
Be prepared. Prevention and preparedness are key. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Remember if you're hot - they’re very hot. They’re wearing a fur coat!!
👉 If you’re away from home, keep 2 to 4 gallons of fresh water in the back of your car at all times, just for your dog in addition to keeping cold water for yourself. I know it seams like a lot, but think about your dog being hot and pouring a gallon over his back, it won’t last long.
👉 Check the water bowls regularly. Your dog will be drinking more than normal this time of year.
👉 Keep a towel with you. After playing outside, hiking, or running can wet the towel and lay it on in your car. The cool a/c + the wet towel, makes an extra cool place to lay on and will help cool them down. Do not cover them with the wet towel, it only traps their body heat, preventing the cooling process.
👉 Keep a big bottle of rubbing alcohol at home and in your car. It’s cheap and it’s a fast way to drop your dog’s temperature. Lay your dog down and pour it on the pads of their feet. Alcohol will instantly get cold and provides fast cooling through one of the places they regulate their body temp quickly. Obviously, be careful doing this if they have a foot injury. It works!
⚠️ Know the early signs of heat exhaustion and signs of a heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion starts when the body temp rises above 103. Typical signs include heavy panting, excessive drooling, mental slow down, and become weakness to stand or wobbly legs. They may try to p*e, but not much will come out or none at all. You may notice they become less responsive to you and walking aimlessly.
If there is any question at all, get them out of the heat right away. Get to the shade and let them rest at minimum. Find a house or building nearby and soak them. Not just for a minute, keep soaking them. Give it a good 10 minutes, at minimum. Hose water, pool water, lake water are all great options.
⚠️Heat stroke becomes real when their temp gets over 106. You need to get to a vet FAST! Call the vet on the way and let them know what’s going on, so they can be prepared when you get there.
⚠️These signs include, glazed over eyes, a rapid heart rate, dizziness or lack of coordination, lethargy, collapsing, convulsions, vomiting or diarrhea, dark/black tar like stool, gums or tongue can turn blue or a bright red color, and of course loss of consciousness.
Again, being prepared and having a plan can save your dog’s life.
HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE!! Both of you! I can’t say it enough!"
