20 Nov Heatstroke in Dogs – Symptoms, Prevention and Treatments. (Part 1)

Heatstroke is one of the problems that owners usually face in the summer. Dogs have meagre heat resistance. Heatstroke occurs when the ambient temperature and the animal humidity increase and the environment ventilation and the amount of water in the animal body decrease. Heatstroke is a significant risk factor for dogs. They don’t sweat like humans; they lose body heat through the paw glands and breathe fast. The best time to take the dogs out and walk is in the summer at night or early in the morning. If you take your dog outside during the rest of the day, it may get hot. The number of dogs suffering from heatstroke and death due to carelessness in the car during the hot summer days is very high. If your dog is a shepherd, rest him in warm hours on hot days of the year. Give him cold water during these hours and let him sleep in a cool environment. Don’t forget that heatstroke has hidden effects, such as damage to the brain and kidneys.

Dog breeds that are more prone to heatstroke

Obese, old dogs with heart problems and seizures or drooping ears, short snouts and long hair are less tolerant of heat. You should take special care of these dogs in the summer. Some breeds are more prone to heatstroke due to the type of snout or ears. If you live in hot cities, avoid keeping these breeds, they are:

• Pug
• French English Bulldog
• Shinzo
• Boxer
• St. Bernard

Sunburn in dogs

Many people believe that dogs don’t get sunburn because of the special coating on their bodies. Dogs can also burn in the sun. Those with lighter and thinner hair are more prone to sunburn. Also, parts of dogs’ bodies, such as the nose and paws, that don’t have hair may be severely burned.

Puppies overheat

The symptoms of heatstroke in puppies are similar to those in adult dogs, except that the puppies have a very low tolerance. Losing every minute can coincide with the loss of a puppy’s life. You should never leave dogs, especially puppies, in hot environments, in the car or the sun. Be sure to bring them indoors so that they aren’t heated. On hot days of the year, make sure the puppy has enough water and food and his body isn’t weak.

Severe hyperthermia or heatstroke

If the dog’s body temperature rises above 41 degrees, it means that he has become very hot. To treat severe heatstroke in a dog, be sure to take him to a veterinarian. Depending on the dog’s condition, the following treatments may be performed by a veterinarian.

Symptoms

Symptoms of heatstroke are easily identified in dogs:

• Rapid, heavy and abnormal breathing
• Increased anal temperature (above 40 degrees requires attention and above 42 degrees requires emergency measures)
• Severe thirst
• Restless eyes
• Fainting
• If you pull the neck skin, the skin doesn’t return to the first place quickly.
• Weakness and inability to move
• Vomiting
• bloody diarrhea
• Confusion and stumble
• Coma
• Increased salivation
• increase of heart rate
• Changing the colour of the tongue and gums (redness of the tongue and pale gums)
• Anesthesia

Prevention

The following tips will guide you to take care of your dog in the summer.

Dogs hydration

One of the most important things to do in the summer is to make sure your dog is well watered. To be sure, you can put two containers of water for your dog on hot days of the year instead of one; One container containing cold water and the other some ice. You can also use an automatic water container to encourage your dog to drink.

Never leave your dog in a parked car.

It’s better never leave your dog alone in a parked car for even 1 minute.

Cut your dog’s hair short and brush it regularly.

The best way to keep your dog’s hair healthy from the sun is to cut and brush it. Treat your dog before walking and remove debris from his hair.

Don’t let the dog get sunburned.

Dogs also get sunburn or skin cancer. Apply some sunscreen to areas of the dog that have less hair, such as the nose.

Bring clean water

Heatstroke and thirst can be fatal for dogs. When you go out with your dog, be sure to bring clean, healthy, and cool water for your dog.