Heat Stroke in Dogs
Dog Heat Stroke Occurs Quickly
Protect Your Dog
from Canine Heat Stroke
Heat stroke in dogs occurs when the air temperature is high, there is high humidity and poor ventilation. Dog heat exhaustion and heat stress can occur rapidly, so make sure your dog is not at risk. When the weather is hot and humid, dogs are especially vulnerable, and we need to take precautions to keep them safe from the heat. Some dogs are even more at risk than others. It’s important to know if your dog is at risk and how to recognize the symptoms of dog heat stress.
Dogs with short noses
are prone to dog heat strokes.
What is Dog Heat Stroke?
Your dog does not have body cooling mechanisms like you. He is not able to sweat, nor does he have blood cooling capillaries in his skin. Dogs have a very inefficient cooling system. They cool themselves by panting, which allows cooler air to go to their lungs, where the body heat is dissipated. Blood vessels in the tongue and mouth are also cooled as a dog pants and her saliva evaporates. Panting does not cool a dog very quickly, and a hot dog can quickly get into trouble. A canine heat stroke is actually a disturbance of the heat-regulating mechanism of the dog’s body. A dog heat stroke is caused by environmental conditions, and a dog’s temperature can reach 109 degrees F (normal dog temperature is 101.5 degrees F). An overheated dog can suffer brain damage and can die. So, we need to be very careful when the air temperature rises.
Dogs at Risk for Heat Stroke
Some dogs are naturally more at risk of dog heat stroke, than others. If you have one of the following, you’ll need to be especially careful to protect your dog: - Old dogs
- Sick dogs
- Fat dogs
- Puppies
- Dogs with heavy coats
- Small headed, short-nosed breeds (Boxer, Pekingese, Pug, Mastiff)
- High energy dog that keeps playing and running in the heat
- Hunting dog or watch dog kept outside in the heat.
- Dogs with black hair (Dobermans, Rottweilers)
Causes of Heat Stroke in Dogs
Heat stroke in dogs can occur simply because of a lack of air circulation. A continuous flow of air on a dog’s body helps to keep his temperature down. (Did you ever notice that your dog loves to stick her head out the window of your car when it is moving?) A canine heat stroke can occur at 75 degrees F, if the air circulation in the room or car is poor. When the air temperature rises higher, dogs are at an even greater risk.
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Dog Heat Stroke Symptoms
How can you tell when your dog is getting too warm? Here are some of the warning signs for dog heat stress: - Heavy or loud panting
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Deep red or purple tongue and/or gums
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Glazed eyes
- A frightened or staring expression
Preventing Canine Heat Stroke
Fortunately there are ways to make sure that your dog does not suffer from a heat stroke. Here are some things that you can do:When we suffer from the heat, so do our dogs. So, when the temperature rises, it’s important to keep your dog in mind and to take steps to keep her safe and happy. And, most of all, we need to take the steps necessary to prevent the tragedy of heat stroke in dogs.
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