How To Protect Your Dog From Heat Stroke

Summer is coming and we all need to protect ourselves from high thermal temperatures, and our beloved furry friends cannot be an exception, especially when we consider how sensitive they can be to high temperatures. For this reason,  you need to be very careful in order to protect your dog from heatstroke.

Information on heatstroke in dogs

Keep in mind that the summer season is not the only one in which your furry friend can suffer from this problem. Exposing your dog to an intense session of physical activity or leaving him alone in an enclosed and unventilated place, such as a cage or a car, can cause heat stroke at any time of the year. 

Remember that dogs sweat through the pads of their paws, but most of their body heat is released through their mouths due to their panting.

When a dog has heat stroke, his body temperature, which in a normal state reaches an average of 38 degrees Celsius, can reach 42 degrees.

This situation can cause serious consequences following the cellular lesions that usually occur due to the absence of oxygen and which can damage different organs.

Signs that a dog has heatstroke

Among the symptoms that help us understand that our dog is suffering from heat stroke, we find: 

• Red or darkened mucous membranes in the mouth and eyes.
• Very accelerated breathing and excessive panting.
• Bloody diarrhea.
• He retched.
• Weakness in movements.
• Convulsions.
• Prostration.
• Loss of consciousness.

How to prevent heatstroke in animals?

When it comes to heatstroke, the best thing you can do is prevent your dog from suffering from it. How can this be done? Paying attention to the following points:

• Make sure your four-legged friend always has clean, fresh water available.
• Make sure that it is not exposed to the sun during the hottest hours.
• Choose the cooler hours for walking, playing and exercising with your dog.
• If the animal has access to a courtyard, balcony or terrace, make sure it has shaded areas and a bowl of water.

• Inside the house, reserve well-ventilated places for them.

Never leave your dog alone in the car

A topic that deserves a special paragraph regarding heatstroke and dogs is the necessary precautions when driving around in the car.

You must never, for any reason, leave your pet alone in the car, even if the vehicle is in the shade or the temperatures are not high. 

The risk of your dog dying under these circumstances is very high, as the car tends to concentrate a lot of heat in a very short time  and can thus turn into a death trap.

Find out which dogs are at a higher risk of suffering from heat stroke

Although all dogs can suffer from heat stroke, some are more predisposed than others ; therefore, more attention must be paid to you. Take note:

• The brachycephalics, or dogs with a flat snout such as the Pug, the Boxer or the Bulldog.
• Older animals, especially those with respiratory problems.
• The puppies.
• Obese dogs.

How to deal with a dog with heat stroke?

If you find yourself facing a dog with heatstroke, you need to act urgently. For this reason, the first aid you can provide until he receives medical attention can mean the difference between life and death. Take notes:

• Place it in a place that is as cool as possible.
• Try making him drink some water, but don’t force him if he can’t do it himself.

• Cool down the dog. However, beware: the water must not be very cold, much less icy. You don’t even have to bathe him or cover him with wet towels.

In any case, consult the veterinarian by telephone on the steps to follow until the animal can receive help from a professional.