Keep your dog happy and safe from heatstroke this summer!
Heatstroke in dogs is an unusually high temperature, a fever, in your dog due to exposure to excessive heat. Even on a typical summer day in Maryland, people and pets alike can suddenly suffer from heatstroke after enough exposure. It’s important to be aware of the signs of heatstroke in dogs, so arm yourself with these handy tips.
Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs
If your pet is experiencing a heatstroke, it may experience any number of these symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Lack of balance
- Excessive panting
- Weakness
- Drooling
- Diahrrea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
At its worst, it can lead to death. Should you notice any of the following symptoms, attend to your pet immediately and call your local vet.
Preventing Heatstroke in Dogs
What could cause your pet to have a heatstroke?
- Keeping your pet in a car, even with a window cracked
- Walking a dog in excessively hot weather
- High activity during hot weather
- Exposure to hot weather with a health condition
How can you prevent it?
You can prevent heatstroke in your dog by avoiding going outdoors during very hot weather, going outdoors only in the cool of the evening or morning, and never leaving your dog in a car. You can also prevent it by keeping your dog hydrated, providing water when going on outings. You can read more about walking your dog in summer here.
What are factors that could make your pet more susceptible to heatstroke?
- Age: Very young and very old dogs are less capable of handling extremes.
- Size: Smaller dogs might have more trouble regulating their body temperature than large dogs.
- Coat: Dogs with thick coats or matted coats will have more trouble keeping cool.
- Physical health: If your dog is not in peak health, it will not have as much stamina to endure extreme conditions.
- Breed: Various breeds adapt better to some climates than others.
- Climate: Dogs that are used to cooler temperatures will have a harder time adjusting to hot temperatures than dogs that are used to warmer climates.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Heatstroke
If your dog has a heatstroke, do the following:
- Bring it into a cool, shaded place
- Give it lukewarm or cool water to drink
- Call your vet to examine the dog for any internal damage
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!