Everyone loves summertime, including pets! Especially for those who endure harsh winters, summer is a turning point that can lift the whole family’s mood. But summer fun can come to a quick halt when a family member is sick. Making sure that your dog beats the heat is just as important as is it for the rest of the family. Overheating is a serious problem that can be prevented and treated as necessary. The saying dog days of summer did not appear for no reason. 

Signs of Overheating:

• Excessive panting or drooling
• Elevated pulse
• Disorientation 
• Vomiting
• Weakness 
• Diarrhea
• Change in the color of their gums and/or tongue (bright red or blue)

What to do if your Dog is Overheating:

• Immediate action is best–call your vet!
• Take your dog to a cool environment, either in doors with fans/AC or the closest cool body of water (pool, lake, ocean)
• Cold, wet washcloths can be placed on the neck, armpits, or the back of legs
• Give your dog small amounts of cool (not cold) water, but do not force them to drink it. Do NOT feed them ice
• Take unconscious dogs to the vet or ER immediately 
• Check their temperature, above 103 degrees Fahrenheit is of concern

Tips for Prevention:

• Only go outside when necessary on extremely hot days
• Always bring water with you when bringing your dog on outdoor adventures
• Never leave your dog alone in a car
• Be mindful of changes in your dog’s behavior on hot days
• Don’t push your dog too hard to exercise on extremely hot days
• Consider different types of exercise on hotter days (e.g., swimming), or walking during cooler hours
• If you are the parent of a working dog, make sure you give them lots of breaks
• Get your dog a summer trim
• Know your dog’s medical history for anything that might put them at more risk of overheating

Other Things to Consider:

• Dogs with shorter snouts tend to overheat more quickly (e.g., pugs)
• Dogs do not sweat all over the bodies as humans do, so they can overheat more rapidly even when exposed to the same climate as their parents 
• This is a medical instance in which it can be helpful to call the vet ahead of time to make them aware of your dog’s state
• As a pet parent, you know your dog best! Trust your gut if your dog’s behavior seems out of the ordinary and get them out of the heat

The ElleVet Team
844-673-7287
[email protected]