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As we near the end of August, the days are still hot and humid - they don't call them the Dog Days of Summer for nothing! There's still plenty to do outdoors and your dog enjoys being outside, too. However, just as the heat affects you, it affects him as well. Dogs are susceptible to heatstroke just as their human owners are, so understanding the warning signs and being proactive in keeping your dog cool is key to keeping him comfortable and possibly saving his life in hot weather.
Heat Stroke in Dogs
When we get hot, we sweat. Sweating is how the human body protects itself from overheating. Dogs however, do not sweat. They only have sweat glands in the pads of their paws, which helps with some heat dissipation, but for the most part, they pant. Panting eliminates excess heat from a dog's body. When panting isn't enough, the dog's body temperature rises and can be fatal if not corrected immediately.
What to Look For
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke in dogs presents itself in the following ways:
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Increased heart rate
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Excessive panting
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Increased salivation
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Bright red tongue
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Red or pale gums
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Thick, sticky saliva
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Depression
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Weakness
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Dizziness
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
What to do
If you notice signs of heat stroke in your dog, immediate action is vital. You have to get your dog's body temperature down quickly to avoid brain damage, kidney failure, blood clots or even death.
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Get the dog out of the heat immediately.
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Wet him down thoroughly with cool (not cold) water.
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Increase air movement in the area with a fan.
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Check his temperature rectally every five minutes.
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Once his temperature has dropped to 103ºF, stop all cooling methods and dry him completely.
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Wrap him in a towel or blanket to keep him from losing too much heat.
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Even if he appears to recover quickly, take him to your veterinarian to be checked out. He could be dehydrated or suffer other complications.
Tip: Don't try to bring your dog's temperature down too quickly or expose him to extremely cold water as this could send his body into shock and present a host of other complications.
Heat Stroke Prevention
Here at Keep Doggie Safe, we are all about... well, keeping doggie safe. We like that old saying that goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." In the case of heat stroke, this couldn't be more true. Making sure your dog is protected from heat stroke in the first place is a smart move, and we have just the thing - Dog Cooling Vests. Our KyperKewl Evaporative Dog Cooling Vests are super cool - literally! They work on the principle of the cooling properties of evaporation (much like our bodies do), to keep your dog cool from the inside out. These cooling vests are so effective, Good Morning America featured them on their show! So, keep doggie safe from heat stroke by making sure he has a shaded, cool area to rest, plenty of cool, fresh water to drink, and is wearing one of our dog cooling vests. If you have any questions or need help with sizing, please call us at (714)914-4653. Keep Doggie Safe is dedicated to keeping your doggie safe.
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