Heat Exhaustion In Dogs

Heat Exhaustion In Dogs.

Dante and Ziva love living in Southern Oregon, the issue we've been having though is temperature. We aren't outside enough to have really adapted yet, so we run fast between air conditioned destinations and from the car to the river.

Recently a friend of mine experienced heat exhaustion with one of her dogs so I thought it would be a good time to address the issue.

What is Heat Exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is when the body cannot keep the body's temperature in a safe range.

In order to cool down, humans sweat through glands in the skin. Dogs do not have these same sweat glands, in order to cool down dogs sweat through the pads on their feet, and they pant to circulate air throughout their body to cool down. So - contrary to popular belief, shaving your down does not help cool them down. Dogs with thick coats use their coats as insulation both against the cold in the winter, and the heat in the summer. 

Ever seen a silly wet Border Collie?

Signs of Heat Exhaustion:

• Rapid Panting
• Thick Sticky Saliva
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Sluggish Behavior
• Vomiting - sometimes with blood
• Diarrhea
• Shock

Dogs pant for many reasons, excitement, nervousness, exercise, not feeling well. Knowing your dogs individual behavior helps you to distinguish between a normal panting and excessive or rapid panting.

Excessive play on a hot day can lead to overheating and heat exhaustion, a dog's normal body temperature is between 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If his temperature rises to 105 or 106 he may suffer from heat exhaustion, any hotter can lead to heat stroke which can cause brain damage or death in severe cases.

If Your Dog is Showing Signs of Heat Exhaustion.

Water is a great way to help your dog cool down! Do not use ice water, cooling too quickly can be counterproductive and can actually cause more problems.

Lukewarm or cool water is best.

If Your Dog Is Showing Signs of Heat Exhaustion, Get Him To Your Vet!

Your vet will monitor your dog's health and make sure that their are no other issues going on. 

How To Avoid Heat Exhaustion?

To avoid heat exhaustion

• Play in the early morning or later evening when the temperatures have cooled down.
• Stay indoors when it gets really hot.
• Keep your walks to a minimum when its gets really hot, being low to the ground can heat their body quickly especially on pavement! Not to mention burn the pad on their feet.
• Provide access to cool water and shade when outdoors.
• DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN A HOT CAR!
• Have fun playing in water!

Dante and Ziva also want you to know that frozen doggy yogurt treats make for a great summer snack!

Quick House Update.

We hit yet another hitch...big surprise. So while we though we were on a countdown our timeline got pushed out even further. As it stands hopefully we'll close the first week of September.