Recognizing Heat Stroke in Dogs

Island Animal Hospital of Venice FL is your local veterinarian. We are dedicated to the health and well-being of your pets. One danger dogs face in the summer time is getting overheated. A dog’s normal body temperature is between 99.5 and 102.5. add to that a fur coat and warm temperatures and it’s easy to see how a dog can become overheated. In fact, dogs can get heat stroke just like humans

Heatstroke

  • Raised heart rate
  • Excessive panting
  • Extreme Thirst
  • Vomiting
  • Bright red tongue and pale gums. Lift your dog’s gums and examine the color of the gums. Press a fingertip into the gum. The gum will turn white. If it does not return to pink immediately, your dog needs medical attention.
  • Thick saliva.
  • A body temperature of 103 or above.
  • Look for lessened elasticity of the skin. If you pull the skin of the neck up it normally snaps back into place. In a dehydrated dog, it remains standing up.

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Treating Heat stroke

  • Get the dog out of the heat.
  • Make the dog sit still. Do not let him run around.
  • Provide cool water to drink. Do not force him or her to drink.
  • Wet the dog with a hose. Do not put your dog all the way under water and make sure the water is not too cold.
  • Call a vet. Even if you think your dog is responding to being out of the heat and cooling off, it’s a good idea to double check with a vet.

Don’t hesitate to call Island Animal Hospital if you think your dog has heat stroke. (941) 202-4284