9 Tips to Prevent Heatstroke in Your Dog

As you make your way through summer and the temperatures continue to soar, heatstroke becomes a very scary possibility. However, if you are well educated about the signs of heat stroke and how to prevent it in your dog, the likelihood of it occurring is vastly reduced. Read on to learn more!

Keep your dog safe this summer:

Always have plenty of cool water on hand for you dog to drink. Read our post “How Much Water Should My Dog Drink” for tips to prevent overhydration and dehydration.
Do NOT leave your dog in the car on warm or hot days. NOT even for a few minutes! The temperature of your car will quickly increase to dangerous and even deadly levels.
Consider buying a kiddie pool for your dog to splash around it. This is especially important for outside dogs.
Give your dog a couple pieces of ice to lick on after he’s been out in the sun. Just monitor it to make sure your dog doesn’t put the whole piece in his mouth. Most dogs will lick it until it’s completely melted.
Use plastic bowls for outdoor water bowls. The metal ones heat up so fast and nobody likes to drink hot water on a hot day.
Let your dog stay in air conditioned rooms or rooms with fans.
If you must keep your dog outside, consider the position of the sun and make sure there’s a shady spot at all times of the day so he can seek refuge from the sun.
Exercise your dog earlier in the day or later in the evening. Mid-day sun exposure and exercise is a dangerous combination.
Use the 30 second rule when walking your dog on the pavement. If you can’t place your hand on the pavement for 30 seconds before experiencing discomfort then the same goes for your dog.

12 Signs of Heat stroke:

Excessive panting
Increased pulse
Increased heart rate
Excessive drooling
Glazed eyes
Excessive thirst
Vomiting
Dizziness
Bright red gums
Staggering
Temperature of 104 degrees
Seizures

If your dog exhibits signs of heat stroke get your vet on the phone as soon as possible. He will instruct you on what to do. While you are calling the vet, keep this in mind: Do NOT submerge your dog in ice water. That is extremely dangerous. Apply cool compresses to his paws and neck. You can spray him with the hose but DO NOT submerge him in ice water. Give him ice to lick or bring him inside and place him in front of a fan. Take him to the vet to be examined. Heat stroke, when caught in time, can be managed. Heat stroke can lead to death or irreversible organ damage. Please keep your dog cool this summer!