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Tips for taking care of your dog's health and safety

Heat Stroke in Dogs

Health

·

May 21, 2024

Heat Stroke Dog
Heat Stroke Dog
Heat Stroke Dog

Heat Stroke in Dogs: What It Is and How to Prevent It

Today we are going to address a crucial topic, especially now that the good weather is starting to come, the danger of heat stroke in dogs. This is a serious problem that can affect our pets if we do not take the proper precautions. 

Did you know that …

When the body temperature of humans is above average, the body self-regulates through sweating. However, this does not happen in dogs, as they do not have sweat glands. They regulate themselves differently, through panting and releasing sweat through the pads of their paws. This is a slower process than that of humans and carries a higher risk of suffering from heat stroke.

For this reason, we will explain how to prevent, recognize, and treat heat stroke in your dog so that you can enjoy your adventures safely.

Body Temperature of a Dog

Today we are going to address a crucial topic, especially now that the good weather is starting to come, the danger of heat stroke in dogs. This is a serious problem that can affect our pets if we do not take the proper precautions. 

Did you know that …

When the body temperature of humans is above average, the body self-regulates through sweating. However, this does not happen in dogs, as they do not have sweat glands. They regulate themselves differently, through panting and releasing sweat through the pads of their paws. This is a slower process than that of humans and carries a higher risk of suffering from heat stroke.

For this reason, we will explain how to prevent, recognize, and treat heat stroke in your dog so that you can enjoy your adventures safely.

Body Temperature of a Dog

Today we are going to address a crucial topic, especially now that the good weather is starting to come, the danger of heat stroke in dogs. This is a serious problem that can affect our pets if we do not take the proper precautions. 

Did you know that …

When the body temperature of humans is above average, the body self-regulates through sweating. However, this does not happen in dogs, as they do not have sweat glands. They regulate themselves differently, through panting and releasing sweat through the pads of their paws. This is a slower process than that of humans and carries a higher risk of suffering from heat stroke.

For this reason, we will explain how to prevent, recognize, and treat heat stroke in your dog so that you can enjoy your adventures safely.

Body Temperature of a Dog

Today we are going to address a crucial topic, especially now that the good weather is starting to come, the danger of heat stroke in dogs. This is a serious problem that can affect our pets if we do not take the proper precautions. 

Did you know that …

When the body temperature of humans is above average, the body self-regulates through sweating. However, this does not happen in dogs, as they do not have sweat glands. They regulate themselves differently, through panting and releasing sweat through the pads of their paws. This is a slower process than that of humans and carries a higher risk of suffering from heat stroke.

For this reason, we will explain how to prevent, recognize, and treat heat stroke in your dog so that you can enjoy your adventures safely.

Body Temperature of a Dog

dog temperature
dog temperature
dog temperature

The first thing we need to do is know what the normal body temperature of a dog is. It usually ranges between 38 and 39 degrees Celsius. When this temperature exceeds 41 degrees, we are facing an emergency that requires immediate attention.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Dogs

However, having an elevated temperature in our dog is not a symptom by itself of heat stroke. Therefore, it is essential to know the signs of heat stroke in dogs to be able to act quickly.

The most common symptoms include:

  • Excessive panting

  • Excessive salivation

  • Rapid and anxious breathing

  • Increased heart rate

  • Significant increase in body temperature (over 42°C)

  • Weakness and muscle tremors

  • Loss of balance

  • Vomiting and diarrhea

  • Bright red or bluish gums

  • Disorientation or loss of consciousness

dogs heat
dogs heat
dogs heat

How Long Does a Heat Stroke Last?

The duration of a heat stroke can vary, but every minute counts. Without proper treatment, the damage can be irreversible within minutes. It is vital to act quickly to lower the body temperature and take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

home treatment for heat stroke
home treatment for heat stroke
home treatment for heat stroke

Heat Stroke in Dogs: Home Treatment

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heat stroke, follow these steps for a home treatment while contacting the veterinarian:

  1. Take the dog to a cool place immediately.

  2. Offer fresh water to drink, but not excessively to prevent it from drinking too quickly. Avoid very cold water or direct ice to prevent thermal shock!

  3. Wet its body with cool water, avoiding very cold water to prevent thermal shock.

  4. Fan it with a fan to help lower the temperature.

  5. Monitor its temperature rectally and stop cooling when it reaches 39 degrees Celsius.

dogs sweat
dogs sweat
dogs sweat

Heat in Dogs

The heat in dogs can be very dangerous. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water and shade, and avoid the hottest hours of the day for walks.

Do dogs sweat? Not like humans. Dogs have sweat glands only in their paws and regulate their temperature mainly through panting, which can be less effective during extreme heat. This means we need to pay more attention to heat strokes in dogs. 


Conclusion

In summary, the heat stroke in dogs is an emergency that requires immediate action. Knowing the body temperature of a dog, the symptoms and signs of heat stroke in dogs, and knowing how long heat stroke lasts and how to apply a home remedy, you can protect your pet. Remember to always be aware of the heat in dogs and that dogs do not sweat like we do. Keep your dog cool, hydrated, and safe to enjoy each season of the year together. Take care of your best friend and ensure worry-free walks!