Keep your pups cool in the summer heat ☀️

We all love to stay cool in summer and that includes our furriends too! 🐾

With the increasing temperatures, monitoring your dog’s health in the heat is crucial. Consider your dog’s well-being and safety during the warm weather. While enjoying the sunshine and fun moments with your furry companion, it’s vital to ensure your beloved pet stays cool and content when spending time outdoors in the scorching summer days. Keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion, as it can escalate to heat stroke if not addressed promptly.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a term commonly used for hyperthermia or elevated body temperature. Generally speaking, if a pet’s body temperature exceeds 103°F (39.4°C), it is considered abnormal or hyperthermic. Body temperatures above 106°F (41°F) without previous signs of illness are most commonly associated with exposure to excessive external or environmental heat. The critical temperature where multiple organ failure and impending death occurs is 109°F (42.7°C).

Who can be affected?? 

Animals of all ages can be affected by heat stroke during any time of year.  Very young or very old dogs are much more prone to getting heat stroke.  Extra caution must be taken with brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, or any other flat faced breed as they are more prone to getting heat stroke.  Dogs with long hair or who are obese may also be at a higher risk for getting heat stroke or increased body temperatures. 

Signs / Changes in the Animal

  • Panting 
  • Excessive drooling 
  • Reddened gums 
  • Rapid heart rate Breathing distress Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Blood in the stool 
  • Changed in mental status 
  • Muscle Tremors 
  • Wobbly or “drunken” appearance 
  • Unconsciousness 

Treatment Early recognition is KEY!! 

External cooling techniques such as cool water and fans will be used to lower the body temperature. This needs to be done gradually as to not shock the dogs system. Normally, dogs with heat stroke, if they survive, will need to be hospitalized with fluid therapy, meds and oxygen therapy for a few days to stabilize their body systems. 

If your think a pet may be in distress, do not hesitate. Always take extra precautions and check the dog… heat stroke can be deadly and we would rather everyone be overly cautious than ignore a potential problem. 

How to keep your pup cool and comfortable in the heat!

Sunscreen

Cooling Mat

Cooling Bandana

Portable Fan

Frozen Kong

Water

Ice Cubes

We all love to stay cool in summer and that includes our furriends too! 🐾

With the increasing temperatures, monitoring your dog’s health in the heat is crucial. Consider your dog’s well-being and safety during the warm weather. While enjoying the sunshine and fun moments with your furry companion, it’s vital to ensure your beloved pet stays cool and content when spending time outdoors in the scorching summer days. Keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion, as it can escalate to heat stroke if not addressed promptly.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a term commonly used for hyperthermia or elevated body temperature. Generally speaking, if a pet’s body temperature exceeds 103°F (39.4°C), it is considered abnormal or hyperthermic. Body temperatures above 106°F (41°F) without previous signs of illness are most commonly associated with exposure to excessive external or environmental heat. The critical temperature where multiple organ failure and impending death occurs is 109°F (42.7°C).

Who can be affected?? 

Animals of all ages can be affected by heat stroke during any time of year.  Very young or very old dogs are much more prone to getting heat stroke.  Extra caution must be taken with brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, or any other flat faced breed as they are more prone to getting heat stroke.  Dogs with long hair or who are obese may also be at a higher risk for getting heat stroke or increased body temperatures. 

Signs / Changes in the Animal

  • Panting 
  • Excessive drooling 
  • Reddened gums 
  • Rapid heart rate Breathing distress Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Blood in the stool 
  • Changed in mental status 
  • Muscle Tremors 
  • Wobbly or “drunken” appearance 
  • Unconsciousness 

Treatment Early recognition is KEY!! 

External cooling techniques such as cool water and fans will be used to lower the body temperature. This needs to be done gradually as to not shock the dogs system. Normally, dogs with heat stroke, if they survive, will need to be hospitalized with fluid therapy, meds and oxygen therapy for a few days to stabilize their body systems. 

If your think a pet may be in distress, do not hesitate. Always take extra precautions and check the dog… heat stroke can be deadly and we would rather everyone be overly cautious than ignore a potential problem. 

How to keep your pup cool and comfortable in the heat!

Sunscreen

Cooling Mat

Cooling Bandana

Portable Fan

Frozen Kong

Water

Ice Cubes

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *