Your Dog and Heatstroke. Hot Weather Safety Tips.

Temperatures are rising. As pet owners we should be aware of dangerous to deadly summertime dangers such as: Not overexerting your pets on hot/muggy days, Making sure they have plenty of water, Not walking your pet on hot pavement and not leaving your pet in a parked car. 

Heatstroke can occur very easily when the normal cooling mechanisms of a dog such as panting, sweating through their feet pads and nose can't keep their body temperature in a safe range. If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke you should contact your vet immediately. 

Symptoms of heatstroke include: 

• Excessive or exaggerated panting 
• Excessive thirst 
• Lethargy and weakness 
• Warm/dry skin 
• Excessive drooling 
• High fever 
• Dark red gums 
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Unresponsiveness to commands and surroundings 
• Vomiting/diarrhea 
• Collapse /seizure 
• Staring/anxious expression 
• Shock/coma 

Cooling your pet in case of heatstroke: 

• Move your dog to a shaded/cool area.
• Cool your dog by applying towels soaked in cool water (Not ice water) over his neck, stomach, back, and feet. 
• If possible put your dog in front of a fan, or begin fanning them down. Ask for help if needed.
• Take your pet to the nearest vet immediately. 
• Keep the number to the nearest emergency vet stored in your phone so you can call ahead to alert the staff that you are bringing in a dog in heat distress. 

How to prevent your dog from overheating: 

• Provide shade: If you do take your pet outside for exercise, play or a walk, make sure he or she has plenty of access to cool water, shaded areas and rest. 
• Choose to walk your pet earlier or later in the day to avoid the heat. 
• Risks for short nosed dog breeds: During hot weather, it is important to be cautious with short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, such as Pugs, Shitzu, Pekingese, Bulldogs and Boxers, which have shorter faces or noses. These breeds have a harder time panting out body heat so may be at higher risk. 
• Consider pets (including cats and rabbits) with particular risks for heat stroke: Very old/very young, sick or debilitated pets, pets with heart or respiratory disease are a greater risk for heatstroke.  
• Never leave your pets in a parked car: The temperature in a parked car can reach oven like temperatures in a few minutes even with the windows cracked open and may have fatal results. 
• Watch out for your dogs paws: Pets can burn their pads on hot asphalt, rock or sand easily during very hot weather. Also, never leave a muzzle on a dog during hot weather as the pet may not be able to pant freely.  
• Keep cool indoors: If your pets will be indoors on a hot day, make sure to give them access to water and a cool area. Keep an air conditioner or fan on. 

Here are some of Little Paws Pet Boutiques best selling products that can help keep your pets cool or protected during the summer months. 1. Bolo Logo Pet Water Bottle with Roller Ball 2. Playa Pup Sun Protective Dog Visor 3. Red Gingham and Bows Cool Mesh Harness and Leash 4. PawZ Dog Boots 5. Collapsible Silicone Dog Bowl 6. Skull Cool Mesh Dog Harness and Leash

 

How do you keep your pet cool during hot summer months? If you have any helpful tips to keep your pet cool please write them in the comments below. Thank you! www.littlepawspetboutique.com