A Word about Heat Stroke
How to prevent heat stroke in dogs.
When exercising or walking you dog during the hot months of summer please be cautious. Heat stroke can occur very quickly in dogs, particularly in high-energy dogs or older dogs. The spring and autumn months are also times to be on the lookout for heat stroke. Often the balmy days of spring and early autumn lull us into a sense of complacency. On a nice spring day this year, a client took their dog to a park in Austin. They were walking around pushing their little one in a stroller when suddenly their dog collapsed. It turned out to be heat stroke. Thankfully the dog was saved but he remained hospitalized for 14 days and it took months for him to recover.
Here’s what you can do if you are taking your dog outside during the summer :
- Bring several 16 ounce water bottles. [Before this teach your dog to drink directly from the bottle (it's easier than you think). Slightly raise the water bottle to one side of his mouth (so you avoid his nose) and allow a few drops to fall on the side of his muzzle, he will begin licking the water off. Once he starts licking the water you can then place the water bottle directly at the front of his mouth allowing the water to slowly trickle out. He'll start lapping it up.]
- Bring a small spray bottle (can be purchased at most grocery stores) filled with water and set the nozzle to mist. Keep a fine mist on the dog while walking directly in the sun. (Misting lowers the temperature by 5-10 degrees.)
- Give the dog plenty of opportunity to rest, even if he does not want to.
- Provide as much shade for the dog as possible.
- Keep activities limited to the early morning or early evening hours, when the temperatures are lower.
- Avoid activities during high humidity days
Signs of an impending heat stroke:
- Rapid breathing
- Dry mouth and nose
- Rapid heart-rate
- Dull, greyish-pink or red gums —THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!
If any of these signs are present get your dog to a veterinarian immediately. These symptoms can be followed in minutes by collapse, seizures, coma and death.
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