Dogs can suffer from heat in the same way as humans, and sometimes worse! This is because they cannot remove clothing and their ability to sweat is limited as they regulate their temperate by sweating through their paw pads, noses and panting.
Heatstroke happens when they’re no longer able to regulate their temperature and their internal body heat becomes dangerously high, usually around 40°c. Even at temperatures as low as 20°c, dogs are at risk of heatstroke, which can be fatal in as little as 15 minutes.
During the unprecedented heatwave we’re experiencing right now in the UK, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of heatstroke so that you can help your dog in event they need it.
Symptoms of heatstroke include:
- excessive panting
- excessive thirst
- barking or whining
- very red gums
- drooling more than usual
- rapid heart rate
- lethargy
- vomiting or diarrhoea
- staggering, weakness or collapsing.
If left unchecked, heatstroke can be fatal. If you suspect that your dog may be suffering with heatstroke, please take them to a vet immediately.
The best cure is always prevention, so keeping your dog cool and hydrated is the best way to prevent heatstroke. It’s important to keep an eye on your dog during hot weather to ensure they don’t overheat. Cooling down will help the problem, and always ensure that your dog has plenty of fresh clean water. You can
click here to discover our Summer Safety Tips for Dog Owners: How to Keep Your Dog Cool and Safe This Summer.
Is your dog suffering from dehydration?
Dehydration is where the body gets deficient in water and it can very quickly become a serious condition. Dogs can go without food for many weeks but most animals cannot survive without water for more than a few days. Dehydration can come on very quickly, so early identification is vital.
Dehydration can be caused simply by not drinking water but also by some other factors including vomiting, diarrhoea, diabetes, being in excessive heat, sweating, fever and other medical conditions.
The vet would often treat dehydration with the use of intravenous drips where a solution is added directly to the venous system to quickly and efficiently increase hydration levels. From a first aid perspective, we cannot give intravenous fluids, so the first thing would be to avoid them becoming dehydrated in the first place by ensuring they have lots of fresh clean water at all times.
You can check hydration levels in the body by pinching the skin on the back of the neck and it should return to its original position almost instantly. If you can still see the pinched skin for more than 2 seconds after you let go, they are dehydrated and need veterinary attention.
Would you know what to do in an emergency with your dog?
Find out when our next Canine First Aid course is happening at
https://www.potterpaws.co.uk/pet-professionals/canine-pet-first-aid/. This 4 hour certified OFQUAL course is suitable for owners and professionals to learn how to provide emergency care to dogs. We also deliver this training to groups of professionals or employees at your own venue,
get in touch to find out more.