What You Should Know About Heat Stroke and Dogs

Humans aren’t the only ones vulnerable to the sun—our pets are, too. We know to limit our exposure to the sunlight, especially during the hot summer months, and we should apply this principle to our dogs as well. You should always keep an eye on your dog for any signs of heat stroke. The danger isn’t limited to just leaving an animal in a parked car. Here’s what you should know about heat stroke to keep from having to bring your dog to a veterinarian in Phoenix, AZ in an emergency situation.

Recognizing the signs

The best way to treat heat stroke is to catch it early and bring your dog to a veterinarian in Phoenix, AZ right away. That means knowing the signs. Dog breeds with shorter noses and heavier coats are at a higher risk. You’ll also want to keep an eye on pets that are overweight, older or have other medical issues. Some signs of heat stroke in dogs include excessive panting, heavy drooling, staggering and vomiting.

What to do when you see the signs

The first thing to do if you think your dog has heat stroke is to get them out of the sun. That means bringing them inside or, if you’re on a walk, getting into any nearby shaded area. You should also try to lower your dog’s body temperature before bringing them to a veterinarian in Phoenix, AZ. Don’t use a pool or cool bath. Instead, use a cloth dipped in cool water. Cold water can actually be counterproductive by lowering body temperature too quickly. You can offer your dog some ice cubes to lick and some water, but don’t force them to drink it. Even if your pet seems to feel better, you should still take them to a veterinarian in Phoenix, AZ to make sure they’re not suffering from dehydration or any other complications from heat stroke.

Preventing it from happening

The number one way to keep your pet safe from heat stroke is to keep them from getting it in the first place. You should understand your dog’s risk of falling victim to heat stroke. You can do some research online or ask a veterinarian in Phoenix, AZ. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, you should make sure there’s available shade throughout the day. If your dog is inside, you should make sure it doesn’t get too hot in the home. This may seem obvious when you are home, but you should also take care when you’re gone. Keeping your dog hydrated is another important step. That may mean being extra attentive to their water dish or purchasing an automatic pet waterer.

Christown Animal Hospital has been providing pets with every facet of care they need for almost 50 years. Our staff includes some of the best veterinarians in Phoenix AZ. We’re equipped to help with any medical problem your pet may have, including heat stroke. Call us to hear about our New Client Wellness Exam for only $25!

Categorised in: Veterinarian

This post was written by Writer