Here are the signs of dog heat stroke
Dog heat stroke can be deadly and these are the things you need to know about this condition that might happen to your pet.
Mondrian Contreras, DVM, a veterinary expert with Pumpkin Pet Insurance said that heat stroke dogs are usually not obvious but it can be life-threatening. With this, it is important to be aware of or monitor your dog’s situation, especially during the summer season or if the temperature is really scorching.
Based on the article in Reader’s Digest, dog heat stroke happens when a dog’s body temperature is above 105 degrees. Normally, this four-legged animal’s body temperature is 100.5 and 102.5 degrees, and at times it is already considered a big increase when the temperature reaches 103 degrees.
In common instances, heat stroke in dogs happens during these situations:
- Leaving a dog in a car on a hot day
- Leaving a dog outside without water or proper shade
- Exercising a dog that is predisposed to developing heat stroke on a hot day; predisposing factors may include brachycephaly, obesity, tracheal collapse (a narrowing windpipe) and arthritis
Here are the signs of dog heat stroke:
- Excessive panting
- Gum discoloration
- Dry gums
- Excessive drooling
- Thick drool
- Increased heart rate
- Muscle tremors
- Gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhea and black tarry stool
- Disorientation
- Lethargy
- Prolonged loss of appetite
To prevent dog heat stroke, be sure not to leave your dog alone in your car or outside. During the hottest time of the day, avoid exercising your dog and keep them inside your house during extremely hot and humid days.
Be sure to always have available water for your dog. When you are with your dog at a park, pay close attention because your dog can get too excited to play with other dogs. One thing to be considered in this health problem that your pet can have is its breed.
Here are the breeds that are prone to exhibit heat stroke in dogs.
- French and English Bulldog
- Boston Terrier
- Pug
- Bull Mastiff
- Boxer
- Pekingese
- Chinese Shar-Pei
- Chow Chow
- Lhasa Apso
- Shih Tzu
Meanwhile, check out his explanation of Why Cats Knock Things Over.