Home - Pet Health

What are the Symptoms and Treatment Methods for Dog Heatstroke?

In the hot summer, dog heatstroke is a problem that every pet owner needs to be vigilant about. Heatstroke not only causes great pain to dogs but can even be life - threatening in severe cases.

In the hot summer, dog heatstroke is a problem that every pet owner needs to be vigilant about. Heatstroke not only causes great pain to dogs but can even be life - threatening in severe cases. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the symptoms of dog heatstroke, master the methods of dealing with it, and know how to prevent it.

What are the symptoms of dog heatstroke?

A dog's body temperature generally remains between 37°C and 39°C, but it can increase due to factors such as exercise, temperature, eating, and body metabolism. When heat cannot be dissipated smoothly, heatstroke symptoms will occur. When the temperature continues to rise to 41°C, a dog may even be in life - threatening danger. The signs of heatstroke can be divided into the initial stage and the later stage, with different manifestations in different stages. The following will be introduced separately:

1、Initial stage of dog heatstroke

In the initial stage of dog heatstroke, it is usually difficult to detect any abnormalities from the appearance. The owner can call the dog to observe its reaction. If there are phenomena such as mental distraction, slow response, and slow movement, attention should be paid. At this time, you can further check the breathing rate, the situation of drooling, and whether there are changes in the oral mucosa. If any differences from normal are found, it is recommended to first take the dog to a cool place to rest and replenish water.

2、Later stage of dog heatstroke

If heatstroke progresses to the later stage, the dog's heart rate will increase, breathing will become difficult, the eyes will turn red, and the state of consciousness will change. At this time, the dog's internal organs may already be damaged. If not sent to the hospital for rescue in time, it may lead to complications such as brain edema, acute renal failure, and gastrointestinal mucosal bleeding. In such a situation, the dog's survival rate is very low, and even if it is successfully rescued, there may be sequelae.

What should be done when a dog has heatstroke?

Once a dog is found to have heatstroke, immediate measures need to be taken to help it cool down and reduce discomfort. The following are some methods to deal with dog heatstroke:

1、Move the dog away from the high - temperature environment: Move the dog to a cool and shady place, away from direct sunlight and high - temperature areas, such as an indoor area with good air circulation.

2、Replenish water: Ensure that the dog has sufficient drinking water available at any time to replenish water.

3、Cool down: Place a wet towel or cooling pad on the dog's body and paws to help lower the body temperature. At the same time, gently wipe the dog's body with cold water, especially the abdomen, paws, and head.

4、Seek medical help immediately: If the dog's condition does not improve or the symptoms become more severe, seek the assistance of a veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian can provide more professional treatment and medical care for the dog.

How to prevent dog heatstroke?

As a pet owner, it is very important to understand the outdoor temperature and take appropriate measures to prevent dog heatstroke, especially in hot and humid conditions.

1、Be in a well - ventilated area

When outdoors, always ensure that your dog is in a well - ventilated area with sufficient water and shade. When traveling by car, make sure to place your dog in a well - ventilated position and never leave your dog in a car with the windows closed.

2、Pay attention to the ground temperature

Avoid taking the dog out during the day. Even when walking the dog at night, pay special attention to the ground temperature. Because asphalt roads absorb heat during the day and release it at night. The dog's body is close to the ground, and the heat it feels is several times that of humans, so this must be noted.

3、Keep air circulation indoors

Pay attention to the temperature indoors and keep the air circulating, because the dog may also suffer from chronic heatstroke at home.

4、Replenish water in a timely manner and wear cooling clothes

If it is necessary to go out, replenish the dog's water in a timely manner and put on a cooling dog suit. A high - quality cooling dog suit can help the dog cool down effectively and is definitely an essential item for dogs going out in summer.

In conclusion, the symptoms of dog heatstroke may be relatively hidden in the initial stage and require careful observation by the owner. Once it progresses to the later stage, it will be very serious. When a dog has heatstroke, we should take rapid measures such as changing the environment, replenishing water, and cooling down. In severe cases, it is necessary to seek medical treatment in time. More importantly, we should do preventive work in advance. Whether outdoors or indoors, we should pay attention to creating a comfortable and cool environment for the dog so that they can safely get through the hot season.

Related Articles