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How To Spot The Signs Of Heat Exhaustion

How To Spot The Signs Of Heat Exhaustion

During the hot months of summer, dogs usually enjoy long walks outside, jumping in and out of the pool, ocean, or lake, or just simply putzing around the yard. It is a fun time for dogs and because the weather is so nice, most dogs like to be outside where all of the excitement is! However, there is one dangerous condition that many dog owners do not consider when the temperatures become very hot, and that is heatstroke or heat stress.

When people are vigorously exercising outside during the summer when the weather is hot, they don't have to think twice about going inside to cool off or stopping what they are doing in order to replenish bodily fluids with lots of water. But dogs have a habit of being so intense about whatever they are doing outside that they often go long periods of time without water and without stopping to cool off.

Problems that dogs suffer from the heat can vary from heat stress (which is the result of too much exposure and hot weather) to heatstroke (which is also the result of being in the hot sun too long but with the addition of high humidity levels). If too much time has been spent suffering from these conditions without enough hydration, heat problems can cause a dog to experience cellular breakdown, heart failure, and even brain damage.

Some dogs are more prone to sustaining internal injuries because of heatstroke or heat stress. For example, if your dog has any type of heart condition, respiratory problems, is overweight, or is a short-nosed breed, then he may experience damage from the heat three times more rapidly than any other dog.

If you are worried because your dog was out in the hot weather for longer than usual, pay attention to the following symptoms which may indicate he is suffering from a heat condition:

1. If your dog is staggering around like a drunk.
2. Does your dog seem weak but still restless?
3. His panting is heavier than normal and might have a slight rasping sound to it.
4. Does he seem extremely anxious with a delirious expression on his face?
5. Check his temperature for a fever higher than 104°F.
6. Check his mouth and look for inappropriate salivation.
7. Check his skin, it may be very warm to the touch as well is dry.
8. He may also start sessions of diarrhea and vomiting as well.