The document discusses the risks of heatstroke in dogs during summer heat, outlining symptoms, prevention methods, and first aid steps. It emphasizes the importance of keeping dogs hydrated, avoiding prolonged outdoor activity in high temperatures, and never leaving them in locked, hot cars. Additionally, it highlights increased susceptibility in certain breeds and encourages dog owners to ensure proper ventilation and cooling measures for their pets.

1. August 6, 2020
Summer Heat & Your Dog
proudpetslife.com/dog-health/summer-heat-your-dog/
We all suffer in the heat of the summer including our dogs. The main thing you want to
avoid with your dog is heatstroke. Heatstroke, heat exhaustion or hypermedia, is when the
body overheats thus certain organs can shut down and death can occur. Heatstroke
mainly occurs when dogs are locked in cars during the summer, kept in small non
ventilated areas and it can occur in outside dogs as well.
Dogs do not have sweat glands. They keep themselves cool by panting and sweat via the
pads on their feet and their nose. They also keep cool by licking their paws.
It is very important to keep your dog hydrated, providing plenty of fresh drinking water
daily. If you are exercising your dog outside in the heat of the summer bring a frozen bottle
of water with you and give him small amounts at a time as it melts, this will help cool him
off. Limit your time outside. It isn’t wise to play a 30 minute game of Frisbee or fetch in
the heat of the summer like you would in the cooler months.
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2. Your dogs’ normal body temperature is between 101 and 102 degrees. If your dog has
heatstroke his temperature will go up to 105 degrees and higher. This is a dangerous body
temperature for your dog as the cells in his body will start to die causing his body to shut
down.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEATSTROKE
Dark red gums
Vigorously panting
Dry or tacky mucus membranes (gums)
Thick saliva
Lying down and no will to get up
Collapse
Loss of consciousness
Disorientation and appears dizzy
Increased rectal temperature
IF YOU SUSPECT HEATSTROKE
Immediately remove your dog to a cooler place out of the sun
Cool your dog down. Place cool wet towels on their footpads and on the back of their
neck. CAUTION: DO NOT USE ICE COLD WATER; the cooling down process needs
to be slow. If your dog is cooled down too quickly (hypothermia), his blood vessels
can constrict, restricting blood flow thus causing his core temperature to rise even
more.
When your dog’s rectal temperature is at 103 degrees, you can stop the cooling down
process
Offer your dog cool water NOT ice-cold water. Don’t force him to drink or pour it in
his mouth.
Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately
PREVENTING HEAT STROKE
NEVER leave your dog in a locked hot car during the heat of the summer
Make sure he has plenty of fresh water every day
Limit outdoor activity
Stay out of direct sunlight, always make sure your outside dog has shade
Brachycephalic breeds (short nose breeds like Pugs and Pekinese and bulldogs), obese, and
older dogs tend to be more susceptible to heatstroke.
All breeds of dogs can get heatstroke. Just remember, if it’s hot for you when you go
outside, it’s twice as hot for your dog.
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3. REMEMBER: If you have to travel with your dog in the car during the hot summer
months, please make sure you have your air conditioning on. If you don’t have air
conditioning, make sure your windows are roll down (not all of the way to prevent your dog
from jumping out of a moving car). Never leave your dog in a car with the windows rolled
up. Limit the time your dog is in the car with you. Just take him to the veterinarian and
back if you have to take him with you.
Indoor dogs must have some type of air conditioning as well or a fan that is blowing for
them to be able to cool off. If you don’t have either, please open your house windows so
your dog can receive fresh air.
If you are looking to feed your dog a natural and delicious diet try the viking diet.
The Proud Pets Life Blog is here to educate you on everything dog! Our goal is to save all of
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