Chill Out: Top Tips for Preventing Heatstroke in Dogs During the Summer
Dogs love to get outside all summer long. It just so happens that their increased interest and activity levels this time of year put them at risk for heatstroke. Luckily, there are ways to get in front of this dangerous health condition. With our prevention strategies, you and your dog can enjoy all the summer fun without any heat-related consequences.
All Fun and Games
Do you have a dog that just won’t quit? It’s so important to keep a dog’s attention engaged, but the combination of high heat and humidity can seriously threaten their summer well-being. Active dogs can still enjoy vigorous exercise during the summer months, and the following considerations help with this important balance:
- Check the daily forecast. If it is too hot for you to walk outside without shoes, it’s unsuitable for your dog’s paw pads, too.
- Change up the routine a little by exercising together around the hours of dawn and dusk.
- If you are outside together during the hottest parts of the day, take frequent breaks in the shade.
- Always carry fresh, cool water and a collapsible bowl for your dog to drink from.
Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs
Heatstroke can have a range of symptoms with varying intensity. It is crucial to act quickly if you see the following signs of heatstroke in dogs:
- Excessive, uncontrollable panting
- Drooling
- Rapid heart rate
- Fever
- Weakness or lethargy
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Unsteady gait or loss of coordination
- Seizure
- Loss of consciousness
Move your dog to a cool area with cross ventilation. Apply lukewarm compresses to the body to slowly bring their internal temperature down. Offer small sips of water. If intervention is early and swift, dogs can recover from heatstroke, but emergency treatment of IV fluids, oxygen and hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases.
Dogs and Water
Dehydration is a health problem on its own, and it can also lead to or exacerbate heatstroke in dogs. The rule of thumb is to have a dog drink a minimum of one ounce of water per pound of body weight every day. This should absolutely increase during exercise and on very warm days. We recommend trying any of these creative ways to increase your dog’s water consumption:
- Flavored ice cubes
- Puppy popsicles
- Frozen berries
- Kongs filled with tasty liquid/yogurt and frozen
- Pet water fountain
An easy, effective way to beat the heat is through water play. Provide a doggie pool for the backyard or set up a sprinkler just for them. If swimming is in your dog’s wheelhouse, be sure they are properly outfitted in a snug-fitting life jacket. Teach them how to safely exit pools or other waterways, and closely supervise them any time they are in or near water.
Taking Extra
Puppies, senior dogs, brachycephalic breeds, obese/overweight dogs, and those with medical conditions are considered high risk for dehydration and heatstroke during the summer. If you have questions or concerns regarding the extra care and consideration necessary to prevent heatstroke in dogs, please call us at (916) 791‑8387. Our veterinarians are always here to help your dog at Bayside Animal Hospital.