
Do’s & Don’t With Heatstroke
If dogs are too hot and are unable to reduce their body temperature by panting, they will develop heatstroke – which can kill.
Some types of dogs are more prone to heatstroke – very old or young dogs, dogs with thick, heavy coats or dogs with certain diseases or on some types mesication.
Know the signs
- Heavy panting
- Excessively drooling
- The dog appears lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated
- Collapsed or vomiting
Know what to do
For the best chance of survival, dogs suffering from heatstroke need to have their body temperature lowered gradually.
- Move the dog to a shaded and cool area
- Immediately pour room temperature water over the dog. Be careful about using wet towels – Placing a wet towel on a dog that has heat stroke does not cool them down. Instead it acts as a barrier that traps the heat, the water on the towel is then heated by the body and acts to warm the body instead of cooling it down.
- Wet the ears and paws with cool water.
- Wrap ice blocks in a towel and place in the groin and armpit region.
- Heat stroke is serious and potentially fatal, or in some cases causes brain damage.
- NEVER use cold water as it could send your dog into shock.
- Allow the dog to drink small amounts of room temperature water. You can use cool water but NEVER use cold water.
- Continue to pour water until their breathing starts to settle.
Once the dog is cool, take them to the nearest vet as a matter of urgency.
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