Heat stroke in dogs: watch out for these symptoms
, by Michael van Wassem, 2 min reading time
What is overheating?
A dog can become severely overheated on hot days or after strenuous exercise. Unlike humans, dogs cannot sweat effectively. They primarily lose heat through panting and their paw pads. If a dog's body temperature rises too high, organs such as the heart, kidneys, and brain can be damaged. In severe cases, overheating can even be fatal. Are you on vacation in a hot country? Always check with the back of your hand to make sure the road or asphalt isn't too hot! Never forget this.
Symptoms of overheating in dogs
Pay close attention to the following signs that may indicate overheating:
- Excessive panting (rapid and shallow breathing)
- Excessive drooling or vomiting
- Slowness or difficulty walking
- Dark red, purple, or even pale gums and tongue.
- Feeling warm on the ears, belly, or soles of the feet.
- Loss of consciousness or failure to respond to stimuli.
- Some dogs are especially susceptible to overheating, such as older dogs, puppies, brachycephalic breeds (such as bulldogs and pugs), and overweight dogs.
What to do in case of overheating?
1. Immediately take your dog to a cool, shady place.
2. Gently cool the dog down with lukewarm water on the belly, ears, groin, and paws. Do not use ice-cold water.
3. Let your dog drink small sips of lukewarm water.
4. Use a fan or drive with the air conditioning on to cool down further.
5. Stop cooling as soon as the temperature reaches around 40 °C.
6. If in doubt or if you notice serious symptoms: consult a veterinarian immediately.
Want to prevent overheating? These tips will help:
- Avoid walking during the hottest part of the day.
- Don't leave your dog in the car, not even for a few minutes.
- Always ensure access to clean, fresh drinking water.
- Use a cooling mat or cooling vest for additional support.
Be careful with hot asphalt – it can damage the soles of your feet and retain heat.
Convenient water bottles for on the go
One of the easiest ways to prevent overheating is to make sure your dog always has access to water, even on the go. At Fidello, we have a handy collection of travel water bottles – ideal for walks, outings or holidays.
Check out the collection of dog water bottles .
These bottles have an integrated drinking bowl and are easy to take with you in your bag or car. This way, your dog stays hydrated, wherever you are.
Disclaimer
We are not veterinarians. The information in this blog is intended for general information purposes only. If you have any doubts or if you notice serious symptoms, we always advise you to contact a veterinarian.
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