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Hot weather advice for overheating/heat stroke in dogs

Karlin

Karlin

Administrator
Staff member
It's so easy for dogs to overheat in hot weather. They can't sweat to cool down like us, so they pant instead, but they can very swiftly overheat which can be so dangerous. And I've seen small short-coated dogs collapse from heat -- it isn't just large long coated breeds, any dog can get heat stroke. Here's a good summary on what to watch out for, and how to treat it. The big takeaway is: treat first to cool the dog down, and only THEN take to the vet. And prevention is always better! In hot weather walk your dog first thing in the morning or in evening, when it's cooler. Also: older cavaliers with heart issues can overheat quickly, so be extra careful with activities on hot days.

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Dogs I have seen with early heatstroke were panting heavily, drooling and had begun staggering when trying to walk. Cavaliers and all flatter faced dogs are much more prone to overheating than dogs that can breathe and pant more efficiently, so it's good to keep this in mind. :)

More info here: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/heatstroke-in-dogs/

Signs to Watch Out For​

Heatstroke in dogs is life-threatening and can also result in very serious complications. Recognizing early signs of heatstroke may help you remedy the condition before things get too serious.

Early signs of heatstroke include heavy panting and rapid breathing, excessive drooling, dry mucous membranes, bright red gums and tongue, skin that’s hot to the touch, and a higher heart rate. Affected dogs become hyperactive and may have difficulty maintaining balance.

As exposure to excessive heat goes on, the dog’s condition worsens and includes signs of shock, pale mucous membranes with white or blue gums, a very rapid heart rate, and a drop in blood pressure. The dog hyperventilates, and dehydration becomes more severe. Pupils dilate, the pulse becomes more irregular, and the dog has muscle tremors. They may become lethargic and unwilling to move, urinate or defecate uncontrollably, collapse, and become comatose.
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