The summer heat can be dangerous if the proper measures are not taken, and that goes for pets as much as it does for their owners.
Dogs may spend large amounts of time outside and during the summer that means an increased risk of heat stroke and there are certain signs to look for to know when your dog has reached or is about to reach that point.
According to the American Kennel Club, a dog only has two options to cool off and that is blood vessel expansion or by panting.
The Club states that when dogs pant, they evaporate moisture from their tongues, nasal passages and the lining of their lungs, which cools them down as air passes over the moist tissue.
Panting is a vital part in keeping cool for dogs because they do not sweat like humans do, so the heavier the panting usually equates to the hotter a dog is.
However, the American Kennel Club also warns that not all panting is the same and it can vary depending on the breed, as pugs and bulldogs are known for their heavy breathing due to their short snouts, which could make the signs of heat stroke harder to spot.
An early sign of a dog experiencing heat stroke is rapid breathing accompanying the heavy panting, which can create a different and more pronounced sound than the usual heavy panting on its own.
Excessive drooling, bright red gums and tongue and skin that is hot to the touch are also visible signs that could indicate a heat stroke in the works.
No one knows a dog better than their owners, and they know what their usual body language is like, which could help save a dog’s life because heat stroke can lead to dogs being lethargic and not wanting to move or urinating uncontrollably.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, a dog’s weight and age are also factors that could increase the risk of heat stroke, as excess body fat can make it difficult to cool down and young or older dogs are both at higher risks during heat exposure.
If a pet is determined to have a heat stroke, the AHAA advises to not waste any time and immediately move the animal to a cool and shaded area or an air-conditioned space.
However, the Association warns to not try to cool down the animal by using cold water or ice because the extreme temperature difference could lead the animal’s body to go into shock.
Instead, use room temperature water to cool them slowly and safely by applying primarily to the neck, chest and abdomen areas until the body is cooled off.
