Heat Stroke in Pets

When the temperatures are high, dogs try to regulate their body heat by panting. However, if they are exposed to long periods of heat, they lose this ability of regulating their body temperature and are likely going to develop heat stroke. This will easily kill them.

Signs of heat stroke in a dog include:

• Heavy and difficulty in panting. It worsens as the temperatures rises.
• Dog appears lethargic and uncoordinated.
• Excessive drooling.
• Inflamed gums that appear dark red
• Vomiting or diarrhoea.

The following measures can be taken to avoid your dog getting heat stress or stroke:

• Make sure your dog has free access to water at all times.
• Avoid taking your dog for walks when the sun is at its hottest period.
• Avoid over exertion your dog during walks, running or training,
• Never leave your dog in a car or hot areas where there is little or no ventilation.

Dogs experiencing heat stroke need urgent care to lower their body temperature. Urgent action on the following measures will increase their chances of survival.

• Move your dog to a shade and provide small amounts of cool water.
• Ran cool waters over the body until their panting returns to normal. Avoid pouring water around the head to avoid the risk of inhaling water into the lungs.

Heat stroke is a matter of emergency, call and rushes your dog to the veterinarian for heat stroke treatment while you are instituting these first aid measures.