Dogs and Heat Stroke
The Bay Area doesn’t tend to get super hot over the summer. But that doesn’t mean your dog is immune to heat stroke. Since your dog can’t sweat, he relies on panting to cool himself down. But it isn’t always fool proof. Your dog can get heat stroke as a result of being left in a car for too long, excessive exercising when it’s warm out, and being left in the sun without shade or water.
What are the symptoms?
- Heavy panting or labored breathing
- excess salivation
- dry tacky pale gums
- weakness or confusion
- vomiting or diarrhea
How can you avoid it?
Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water, and access to shade or an air conditioned room. Try waiting until it’s cooler at night for walks and exercise. And never leave your dog in the car on a hot day…even with the windows down, and even if it’s only for 5 minutes!
How can you treat it?
The best thing you can do is get to the vet as soon as possible. If that’s not an option, you can try cooling your dog down by pouring cool (but not icy cold) or room temperature water on her body, belly, and legs. Adding a fan into the mix can help, too.
Heat stroke is serious business. Side effects of heat stroke can be lasting, and can cause permanent damages or death. So please keep your dog cool and healthy this summer!
