When the sun is shining, it is natural to be outside more! While we enjoy soaking up the sun, extreme heat can be dangerous for all members of your family, including your dogs. It's important to know how to keep your pet safe so that they do not overheat. Dr. Clay Hellner, Chief Veterinary Officer at Pet Paradise and NewDay Veterinary Care, states that pet parent awareness is an essential part of preventing dogs from overheating.
Knowing the Symptoms
Early warning signs that your dog could be headed for heatstroke:
- Heavy panting
- Drooling
- Excessive whining
- Restlessness
- Lethargy
Getting them into a cooler environment with access to water can help them regulate their body temperature. Dr. Hellner advises that, “You can also cool them down by getting them wet with lukewarm water, it is important to note that this water should not be cold as it could a be a shock to them.” However, although you can take immediate action to try to cool your dog by spraying them down with lukewarm water, heatstroke is a life-threatening medical emergency, and a dog with those symptoms needs to be taken to the closest veterinarian immediately.
Most at Risk
All dogs exposed to heat are at risk, but there are some breeds that have a harder time regulating their body temperature, which puts them at greater risk for heatstroke. This includes Brachycephalic breeds (short-muzzled breeds) such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Boxers. These dogs have a harder time cooling themselves down because they cannot pant as effectively. Elderly and overweight pets also have a higher risk for overheating.
Early Prevention
During the middle of the day, when the temperatures are the highest, you should limit your dog's outdoor exposure. If your dog does need to go outside, be sure that they have access to shade and water and avoid asphalt and pavement to prevent burns to paw pads. Even if it is a cloudy day, the temperature and humidity levels can be higher than your pet is used to.
Trained Team Members
At Pet Paradise, many of our locations are in warm climates which means that heat safety remains a high priority for our team member. Dr. Hellner has played an active role in making sure that all Pet Paradise locations have thermometers that our tea members are trained to use; if a dog displays any symptoms, their temperature is checked, and if it is elevated, they are taken to either our onsite veterinary clinic or a nearby clinic for a medical assessment.
