When we humans get too hot, we dissipate the heat by sweating. Unlike us, dogs dissipate heat by panting, which means they breathe short and fast, so you might think they are out of breath. However, when it is really hot, panting is not enough for some dogs to eliminate heat. In this case, heatstroke can occur. And yes, if you think that it seems bad; believe me; it is because if not treated quickly, it can be fatal.
Causes of a heatstroke?
Living in a hot environment can cause heatstroke, but a hot environment alone doesn’t seem to be enough to cause heatstroke. Therefore, dog owners are sometimes blamed for heatstroke because they did not provide enough water for their dogs who were sometimes left in the car or outside without a shaded area to rest.
Together with the hot environment, these conditions can contribute to a heatstroke. Some dogs are also more prone to heatstroke due to their anatomy; thick fur, short noses, and other medical conditions can lead to heatstroke.
Symptoms of a heatstroke
To know if your dog is suffering from heatstroke, you should know his regular panting. So. It may sound weird, but it advised to listen to your dog panting everyday till you know there regular pattern. If he is panting excessively, you will automatically know that something is wrong. There are other symptoms such as vomiting, unconsciousness, collapse, diarrhea, or reddened gums that may occur when suffering from a heatstroke.
Risks of a heatstroke
Heatstroke can bring other medical complications such as kidney failure, abnormal blood clotting, intestinal bleeding, and other serious risks. Therefore, it is important to seek immediate veterinary attention if a heatstroke is suspected.
What to do?
As mentioned above, the best thing you can do as soon as you suspect a heatstroke is to call a vet or go directly to the nearest vet or animal hospital for emergency treatment. What can you do in the meantime? Give your pet plenty of water, but do not force it to drink, or place a soaked towel on its back to cool its body.
On the way to the vet, make sure you turn on the air conditioning or roll down all the windows. We all know how quickly a car can heat up, and we don’t want to worsen the situation.
What will the vet do?
The vet will first treat the heatstroke and try to bring your dog’s body temperature to a normal level. He will administer intravenous fluid therapy, as a dog loses fluids and minerals during heatstroke, which need to be replaced.
A brief examination will then be carried out to see if the heatstroke has led to any other complications.
How do you prevent a heat stroke?
Pet owners should know how important it is to take appropriate measures to prevent heatstroke. Make sure your pet stays in a well-ventilated area and drinks plenty of water. If you are traveling, do not leave your dog in the car with the windows close, but leave a space where the air can circulate and do not stay out for hours.
If you are driving to work, make sure your dog has enough water for the day and a place to stay out of the sun. This will reduce the likelihood of your dog suffering heatstroke. The above tips can be applied at home, but it is recommended that you speak to a professional to learn more about the topic. Let us know in the comments if your dog has ever suffered from a heat stroke…
