Heat stress, heat stroke, or hyperthermia as it’s officially know is a very real concern, especially this time of year. Recognizing when your dog is in trouble could be the difference between “whew, that was a close one” and the “worst summer ever.”

Signs to look out for:

• Excessive panting
• Drooling or frothing
• Red gums or tongue
• Dis-coordination
• Stumbling
• Tremors or Siezures
• Inability to produce urine
• Dehydration
• Body Temperature 106 or over

While any dog can succumb to heat stress some dogs are far more likely to struggle. 

• Senior dogs
• Very young dogs
• Thick or double coated dogs
  • Huskies, shepherds, Newfoundlands
• Brachiocephalic or “smooshy-faced” dogs
  • They tend to lack to ability to breath well enough to cool themselves sufficiently
  • Think Bulldogs & Pugs
• Black dogs
  • Just like the asphalt that coat absorbs the heat of the sun

***If you suspect your dog is in trouble seek immediate veterinary care.***

Tips to help your dog avoid Heat Stress in the hot summer months.

• Stick to early morning or late evening walks/ hikes
• Choose trails which are heavily shaded
• Find water activities they might enjoy
  • Hike along a stream where they can jump in
  • Take fetch to the lake
  • A lot of dogs love paddle-board (just make sure they’re cooling off in the water from time to time)
• Make sure they drink lots of cool water
• NEVER, EVER leave your dog in the car
• And just like you shouldn’t leave them out in the cold, don’t leave them outside in the heat either
  • Not all dogs are smart enough to know when to cool off

Keep Your Pups Safe & Have a Happy Summer!

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