The dog days of summer are upon us, which means that heat stroke in dogs is at an all-time high. It's important to know the symptoms of heatstroke in dogs so you can head off any potential problems before they happen. This article will tell you what symptoms to look out for and how best to help your pup if he or she exhibits them.
These are the most common symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke that you need to watch out for to keep your dog safe this summer:
Excessive panting or difficulty breathing.
When your dog can't maintain a normal breathing pattern or is panting excessively (hyperventilation), they may be overheated. Dogs with flatter noses like pugs have more difficulty staying cool due to their inefficient form of panting.
Dehydration
If you notice that your dog is tired, not as interested in food or drinks, and has a dry nose or sunken eyes when being touched, this may be an indication of dehydration.
Excessive Drooling
If the dog is drooling excessively, with a sweeter smell or texture of drool than usual, this could be a sign of heat stroke.
Fever
A dog's nose should be cool and moist when they are not running or exercising. If their nose is dry and hot instead, they may have a fever. A body temperature above 39.4°F is an abnormality.
Abnormal Gum Colour
When your dog's gums are bright red, gray, purple or bluish it can be a sign that they're dehydrated.
Lack of urine
Slow or difficult urination in your pet suggests it is dehydrated.
Rapid pulse
The best way to determine if your dog is overheated is by cupping their front elbow region. If you place your hand on their chest near the joint, take note of how fast and forceful their heartbeat feels. Seek a veterinarian's assistance immediately should your dog have an elevated pulse. Dogs' heart rates depend on their size—larger dogs tend to have slower pulses, while smaller breeds and puppies have very quick pulse rates.
Muscle tremors
If your dog is shuddering or shaking regardless of the outside temperature, it may be a sign of heat exhaustion.
Lethargy or weakness
Some dogs may become lethargic and have trouble standing up or walking, which is a warning sign for overheating.
Vomiting or diarrhea
Dogs at risk for heat stroke typically develop abnormal soft, bloody stools. For this reason, it’s essential to seek immediate veterinary care if you see any signs of blood in your dog's stool or drool.
Dizziness
When your dog seems to have trouble walking in a straight line, has stumbled often into furniture or you notice other signs of lightheadedness (e.g., drooling or reddening of the gums), they might be dehydrated or suffering from heatstroke.
Bottom Line
At the end of a long hot day, it can be hard to tell if your dog is suffering from heatstroke. Symptoms include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, dehydration, fever, abnormal gum colour and lack of urine among others. Watch out for these signs so that you know when to take immediate action and seek help from a vet. And remember it's not just humans need water in this summer weather! Make sure you are giving enough fluids to keep both yourself and your dog cool during these tough days ahead.
At the end of a long hot day, it can be hard to tell if your dog is suffering from heatstroke. These are just a few of the more obvious symptoms of heat exhaustion , but there are many more symptoms. Heat exhaustion is a condition that has numerous symptoms and can be hard to detect without doctor expertise. If your dog’s behavior changes at all during the warm summer months, go straight to a veterinarian for advice. Keeping your dog safe and healthy is the most important thing. And remember it's not just humans need water in this summer weather! Make sure you are giving enough fluids to keep both yourself and your dog cool during these tough days ahead.
These are the most common symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke that you need to watch out for to keep your dog safe this summer:
Excessive panting or difficulty breathing.
When your dog can't maintain a normal breathing pattern or is panting excessively (hyperventilation), they may be overheated. Dogs with flatter noses like pugs have more difficulty staying cool due to their inefficient form of panting.
Dehydration
If you notice that your dog is tired, not as interested in food or drinks, and has a dry nose or sunken eyes when being touched, this may be an indication of dehydration.
Excessive Drooling
If the dog is drooling excessively, with a sweeter smell or texture of drool than usual, this could be a sign of heat stroke.
Fever
A dog's nose should be cool and moist when they are not running or exercising. If their nose is dry and hot instead, they may have a fever. A body temperature above 39.4°F is an abnormality.
Abnormal Gum Colour
When your dog's gums are bright red, gray, purple or bluish it can be a sign that they're dehydrated.
Lack of urine
Slow or difficult urination in your pet suggests it is dehydrated.
Rapid pulse
The best way to determine if your dog is overheated is by cupping their front elbow region. If you place your hand on their chest near the joint, take note of how fast and forceful their heartbeat feels. Seek a veterinarian's assistance immediately should your dog have an elevated pulse. Dogs' heart rates depend on their size—larger dogs tend to have slower pulses, while smaller breeds and puppies have very quick pulse rates.
Muscle tremors
If your dog is shuddering or shaking regardless of the outside temperature, it may be a sign of heat exhaustion.
Lethargy or weakness
Some dogs may become lethargic and have trouble standing up or walking, which is a warning sign for overheating.
Vomiting or diarrhea
Dogs at risk for heat stroke typically develop abnormal soft, bloody stools. For this reason, it’s essential to seek immediate veterinary care if you see any signs of blood in your dog's stool or drool.
Dizziness
When your dog seems to have trouble walking in a straight line, has stumbled often into furniture or you notice other signs of lightheadedness (e.g., drooling or reddening of the gums), they might be dehydrated or suffering from heatstroke.
Bottom Line
At the end of a long hot day, it can be hard to tell if your dog is suffering from heatstroke. Symptoms include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, dehydration, fever, abnormal gum colour and lack of urine among others. Watch out for these signs so that you know when to take immediate action and seek help from a vet. And remember it's not just humans need water in this summer weather! Make sure you are giving enough fluids to keep both yourself and your dog cool during these tough days ahead.
At the end of a long hot day, it can be hard to tell if your dog is suffering from heatstroke. These are just a few of the more obvious symptoms of heat exhaustion , but there are many more symptoms. Heat exhaustion is a condition that has numerous symptoms and can be hard to detect without doctor expertise. If your dog’s behavior changes at all during the warm summer months, go straight to a veterinarian for advice. Keeping your dog safe and healthy is the most important thing. And remember it's not just humans need water in this summer weather! Make sure you are giving enough fluids to keep both yourself and your dog cool during these tough days ahead.
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