| Keep an eye out for these common symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke:
1. Excessive panting or difficulty breathing. If your dog is panting constantly or faster than normal (hyperventilation), they could be overheated. Dogs with flat faces like pugs are more susceptible to heat exhaustion because they cannot pant as efficiently.
2. Dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dry nose, visible tiredness, excessive panting, and sunken eyes.
3. Excessive drooling. Keep an eye out for lots of drool, or drool that is thicker and stickier than usual.
4. Fever. If your dog’s nose is dry and hot instead of wet and cool, they could have a fever. A body temperature above 103°F is considered abnormal.
5. Bright red, gray, purple, or bluish gums. If your dog’s gums are a different color than normal, they could be dehydrated.
6. Lack of urine. If your pet has trouble producing urine, they could be dehydrated or overheated.
7. Rapid pulse. The easiest way to take your dog’s pulse is to place your hand on their chest near their front elbow joint. If their pulse seems elevated, they could be overheated. (Normal pulse rate depends on the size of your dog—bigger dogs tend to have slower pulses, while small dogs and puppies have very quick pulses.)
8. Muscle tremors. If your dog is shivering or shaking regardless of outside temperature, it may be caused by heat exhaustion.
9. Lethargy or weakness. Overheating can cause dogs to nap more than normal or having trouble standing up or walking.
10. Vomiting or diarrhea. Abnormally soft stool, or stool with blood in it, is a big warning sign for heat exhaustion.
11. Dizziness. If your dog seems to have trouble walking in a straight line or keeps bumping into furniture, they might be lightheaded from dehydration or heat exhaustion.
These are the most common and easily detectable symptoms of heat exhaustion, but there are many more. If your dog is acting at all sick, tired, or otherwise abnormal during the hot summer months, don’t ignore it!
When in doubt, call your local vet. Keeping your dog safe and healthy is the most important thing.
| How To Treat Heat Exhaustion |
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| 1. Take your dog to a cooler area (preferably indoors) immediately.
2. Lower their body temperature by wetting them thoroughly with cool water. Do not use cold water! It seems counterintuitive, but cooling too quickly can actually be just as dangerous as heat exhaustion. For very small dogs or puppies, use lukewarm water instead of cool.
3. Apply more cool water around their ears and paws. This helps reduce fever.
4. Put them in front of a fan to dry off. If you have a pet thermometer handy, check their temperature every few minutes (note: don’t use a glass thermometer that your dog might bite and break). Once their temperature drops to 103 degrees (F), remove the fan and stop applying water.
5. As they continue to cool down, provide them with small amounts of lukewarm or cool water to drink. Again, not cold water, and no ice!
6. Call your veterinarian as soon as possible. Even if your dog seems to be recovering, they may need to be monitored for shock, dehydration, kidney failure, and other possible complications of heat exhaustion. Your vet will be able to advise you about next steps.
If your dog loses consciousness or seems severely ill (vomiting, seizing, etc.) get to a veterinary hospital immediately!
Summer can be a lot of fun for your and your pets—all it takes is a little extra attention and care. If you have any questions or concerns about heat exhaustion or caring for your dog in the summer, please contact your veterinarian. |
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