Dogs don’t have an efficient method to release heat and panting is the only way for dogs to release excess heat from their bodies. So how do you know if your dog is overheating? Here are some of the signs and stages how to recognize that your pet is overheating.
Stage 1
Heavy Panting / Rapid Breathing
Your dogs only method of cooling itself down is through panting. Imagine trying to cool yourself in 90-degree weather by breathing in and out rapidly. If attempt this, you can pass out, I don’t advise anyone attempting this under any circumstance.
When you start noticing rapid heavy panting bring them some fresh cold water this can be difficult when you’re taking a beach day. Having a portable bowl for food and water should be taken into consideration when you are outside with your pet for long hours. If you must be outside with your pets for long ours make sure to put on sunblock for your dog.
If you are home, make sure to bring your pets inside during the hours of 10am-4pm. During these hours the sun is at its apex which can cause your pet to dehydrate & feint.
Stage 2
Excessive Thirst / Excessive Drooling
Excessive thirst and excessive drooling are the next step in noticing that your dog is overheating. At this point you should bring them indoors and provide them with a cool area. Excessive thirst is one of the major signs that your dog is overheating. After this sign stumbling, vomiting, & feinting are soon to follow. Excessive drooling is another sign to look out for at this time bringing your dog indoors before any serious risks is highly advised.
Stage 3
Stumbling, Vomiting, Collapsing
These are the last stages that show heatstroke. Stumbling around should be a clear sign that something is wrong with your dog if action isn’t taken immediately to seek shade and provide water your pet can collapse, and medical attention is needed. Vomiting is one step before collapsing this is where your dog’s temperature is starting to exceed over 106 degrees Fahrenheit anything further can lead to heatstroke.
Now that we know the stages before heatstroke avoiding the places and taking preventative steps will keep your puppy cool this summer.
Locked Cars
Make sure that you don’t leave your pets in a hot car. Leaving them in a car in the summer regardless if you open a window slightly can cause your pets to suffer heatstroke. When a pet is locked in a car without air-conditioning within a half hour in 100 degree heat the interior of a car reaches over 130 degrees. Leaving your dog in a car is one of the more common ways that your pets can suffer from heat exhaustion.
Proper Grooming
Proper grooming might seem obvious however any dog with long thick coats of fur needs to be trimmed down in the summer. Some dogs have an undercoat which is shed during the summer months it is still necessary to reduce the excess heat that can get trapped in their fur.
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