For Pet's Sake...! Keep Your Dog Safe from Extreme Heat
Prevention, early symptoms and quick first aid tips can prevent heatstroke in your pet.
Heat stroke can be fatal.
Do hot days really matter to your dog?
My Story: How Heat Stroke Hit Home
I learned how dangerous and sudden heatstroke can be when it hit home. My beautiful dog, Loki, suffered from heatstroke after at typical walk outside.
A perfect sunny May morning turned into a nightmare. Yes, it was hot and humid, but no more so than a normal day in my city. We made lots of stops for rest in the shade and water breaks. Our plan was to walk to a cafe for pizza next to the park. Before we reached the cafe, I realized something was wrong with Loki. Something bigger and scary than just normal fatigue or panting. He wouldn't drink any more water. I picked him up and carried him as quickly as possible the rest of the way.
At the restaurant, I tried to cool him down with more water on his tummy and legs. He then started twitching strangely.
We rushed to grab a car home while calling our vet.
It was terrifying to feel so helpless and responsible.
It was a national holiday and our regular vet was closed. We found a 24/7 emergency pet clinic. Before we arrived, Loki was leaking fluid from his mouth and zoned out. Less than 30 minutes had passed since he first showed signs of distress. Loki was in a terrible state by the time he was admitted to the animal ER.
The vet did everything possible. IV Fluids. Oxygen. Blood tests and medication. Sadly, Loki didn't make it. One day later, even after all the amazing care from the medical team and he had passed away.
Know the Warning Signs:
- Continuous or rapid panting.
- Increased and/or thick saliva
- Change in gum color
- Dizziness, weakness or inability to walk
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Seizures, muscle tremors
What to do, when you suspect your pet has heat stroke:
- Move your dog or cat to a cool area
- Apply cool water using damp washcloths on their body, focus on the underarms, belly, head, and neck.
- Give them small amounts of water to drink.
- Take your pet to a vet ASAP
- REMEMBER: Avoid walking your pet during peak heat hours. Also don't leave your pet in a hot car while you run errands.
- How hot is too hot? A dogs normal temperature range is 100-102.5F, anything over 104F is heat exhaustion, and over 107-109F is heat stroke. Heat stroke risks escalates rapidly in pets!
- Short nosed dog breeds (pugs, bulldogs, shih tzus) cannot cool themselves down well because they have short snouts. These breeds have the highest risk and are also are among the most popular pets.