Carolina Pets Animal Hospital
The only way for a dog to dissipate
heat is by panting it off or sweat glands in their pads. Therefore, in this
scenario your dog is highly susceptible to heat exhaustion or, even worse, heat
stroke if it gets too hot. Heat stroke is a life-threatening (as in death)
emergency.
The best plan? AVOID THE HEAT. Exercise your dog in the
cooler parts of the day (early morning or just before dusk).
What are the signs of heat stroke? It starts with restless behavior as your dog
becomes uncomfortably hot. You will see heavy, sometimes labored panting,
excessive drooling or frothing at the mouth, and red gums. This will progress to weakness and lethargy
often to the point the dog cannot move or might collapse. Eventually, affected
animals will be in so much distress that they will become listless and slip
into a coma. Unfortunately, the coma point is bad news… death is fairly
imminent unless the dog receives immediate and aggressive medical treatment!
Who is at highest risk? Very young and very old dogs have a higher
risk of developing heat stroke than do dogs in the prime of their lives.
Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pug, Boston Terrier, Bulldogs, etc),
obese/overweight dogs, long-haired dogs and dogs that are black or dark in
color. Dogs with hyperthyroidism, heart disease, lung disease or thick hair
coats have an increased risk as well.
Bottom line:
If you and your dog were out in the heat and you notice (s)he is restless,
uneasy, having breathing problems or otherwise is just not doing right, call us
or bring your dog in immediately. This
is an emergency.
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