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
Any health or medical information in ElleVet blogs is from a variety of public and reputable sources. This information is intended as an educational resource only and is not a substitute for expert professional care.