How To Prevent Heatstroke In Dogs

For dogs, hot weather synonyms with trouble. Unlike humans, dogs cannot release heat by sweating; therefore, the hot and humid weather tends to increase their body temperatures to dangerous levels. Heat stroke can take a serious toll on your pet’s health and can also threaten his/her life. Unfortunately, heat-related issues are common among dogs during summer.

Responsible pet owners plan ahead of time to make sure their dogs stay safe when the temperatures rise. Our Mississauga veterinary hospital gives some useful tips to help you cool down hot dogs.

To minimize heat stress, let your canine friend gradually become accustomed to climate changes. Take him/her for long walks during the coolest part of the day but spend a few minutes outside during warmer parts, too. Unless the temperatures are dangerously high, your pet can be comfortable for shorter periods of time.

During summers, temperatures are cool after sunrise and before sunset. Utilize these parts of the day to take your furry friend for a long walk.

Humidity effects much as high temperature does; in fact, high humidity even in moderate climates can stress your dog. If you dog is panting more than usual, bring him/her under shade, offer water and let him/her rest for a while.

Shaded parks or lawns near a lake or pool are ideal locations to exercise your dog. You can also purchase a plastic wading pool to give your dog a place to dip and chill at home.

Whenever temperatures rise, offer extra drinking water to prevent your pet’s body from dehydrating. Some pet owners drop 2-3 ice cubes in their dog’s bowl to keep the water cool. Remember to change your pet’s water more often when its hot outside.

Keep your pet well groomed, with regular brushing to get rid of dead hair. Some long-haired or thick-coated dogs feel may feel comfortable with summer hair trims. But keep in mind that pets whose fur are shaved or cut too short are at risk for getting a sunburn.

Another thing to remember is that dogs should never be left in a parked vehicle. The inside of a parked car, even with the windows down, can increase your dog’s temperature to several degrees.

Heat stroke or heat stress can cause following symptoms in dogs:

• Profuse panting
• Failing to take the commands
• Warm and dry skin
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Exhaustion
• Muscular weakness
• Physical collapse

If your dog experiences any of the above symptoms bring him/her to our veterinarian Mississauga. At Millcreek Veterinary Clinic, we will do our very best to ensure your furry companion gets back to normal.