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Can my dog suffer from heat stroke?

If the dog has trouble regulating its body temperature, it may suffer from heat stroke.

Your dog doesn’t sweat like you and only has sweat glands in his nose and paws. When you overheat, your only remedy is to breathe, which is sometimes not enough.

In addition, the skin on his body and paws are usually in direct contact with hot concrete, it is not difficult to realize that he can warm up faster than you, and this is quite dangerous.

A dog’s normal body temperature is 38 to 39 degrees. A dog can suffer from heat stroke at more than 40 degrees.

At temperatures above 41 degrees body, irreversible organ damage can occur and this can lead to death.

How do I know if my dog is suffering from heat stroke?

There are several things to keep in mind, pay attention whenever it’s hot.

The more pain your dog has, the more severe the injuries will be.

Always have a thermometer handy and check its temperature if you suspect heat stroke.

These are the signs to pay attention to in a dog with heat stroke

  • Excessive breathing
  • Excessive thirst
  • Glassy eyes
  • Hyperventilation
  • Increased saliva production
  • Pale or gray, dry gums
  • Dark red or bright tongue or gums
  • Fast pulse the irregular
  • Weakness, dizziness, confusion, lack of concentration
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea
  • Bleeding from the rectum
  • Shrinkage

Flat-nosed breeds such as pug and boxer, older dogs, and puppies are most at risk. Dogs with health problems can also overheat more quickly.

If the overheating does not stop, the dog’s breathing will slow or stop and he may faint or fall into a coma.

If you notice any of these signs, you should act immediately.

So what should you do if you think your dog is suffering from heat stroke?

perro en cama
With heat stroke, things move quickly, so act as soon as you notice a problem.

Take it to a cooler place

Since heat is the obvious problem, the goal is to get it out of it and away from direct sunlight.

Use cold water

Put the water on the inside of the thighs and abdomen, where the largest blood vessels are, and on the soles of the feet.

Use running water from a faucet or hose.

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Ventilation

To cool your dog, you must let the water you put on it evaporate.

Don’t cover it with a towel or wet blanket, this creates a sauna effect instead of allowing the water to evaporate.

Keep it away from enclosed spaces, such as booths.

Place it in a well-ventilated area, or in front of a fan or air conditioner.

Encourage your dog to stand or walk slowly until he cools down

You want cold blood to circulate all over your body.

Have your dog drink fresh water instead of very cold water

Suddenly swallowing a large amount of water can lead to vomiting and bloating.

If he doesn’t want to drink water, give him chicken or beef broth.

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Take it to the vet

Even if your dog seems fine, he should be seen by a veterinarian. The organs may have suffered damage that you can’t see.

The effects of heat stroke are said to last between 48 and 72 hours.

The most common cause of death after heat stroke is disseminated intravascular coagulation. This occurs when a blood clot forms in the body.

Heat stroke can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to develop, although your dog seems to feel better, the best way to be sure is to go to the veterinarian.

Whether you’re out for a walk or your dog playing in the garden, keep the following tips in mind.

  • Always take into account the temperature and the possibility of suffering a heat stroke.
  • Find a place in the shade out of direct sun or where your dog can rest.
  • Always have access to clean, fresh water and a way to calm your dog.


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