Preventing and Treating Dog Heatstroke During Dog Days

It's crucial to understand that a dog's normal body temperature should range between 37.8°C and 39°C. However, when a dog's temperature spikes above 40°C, its internal organs can begin to sustain damage. If the temperature reaches 41°C or higher, it becomes a highly dangerous situation. In hot and humid environments, a dog's body system can衰竭 and even die within as little as 20 minutes.

Dogs cannot communicate their discomfort with words, so it's up to us, as their owners, to be vigilant and notice any signs of distress.

Heatstroke in dogs occurs gradually. If you notice your furry friend breathing heavily, with red, engorged gums, and their entire body appearing bright red, these are signs that their peripheral blood vessels are rapidly expanding to dissipate heat. This is an indication of heatstroke, and recognizing these symptoms can be the key to saving their life.

Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs:

Mild Symptoms:

Lethargy

Weakness in the limbs

Unsteady gait

Coordination issues

Sudden collapse

Swimminglike movements of the limbs

Severe Symptoms:

Staring, bulging eyes

Heart failure

Enlarged veins

Weak pulse

Rapid, disordered breathing

When the temperature exceeds 40°C:

Depression

Sluggish movement

Unsteady gait

Increased breathing rate

At 41°C:

Deepening depression

Unsteady on its feet

Restlessness

Forced movement

Skin feels hot

Difficulty breathing

Open nostrils

Flapping of the ribs

Tongue sticking out

Open mouth breathing

Rapid heartbeat

At 42°C and above:

Comatose

Lying down, unable to rise

Loss of consciousness

Limb thrashing

Rapid, irregular breathing

Weak pulse

Blue conjunctivae

Thickened blood

Foaming at the mouth

Foaming from the nose

Pink coloration

Immediate Actions:

Relieve束缚: If you suspect your dog is overheating, quickly remove any constrictive items like collars, harnesses, backpacks, and decorative clothing.

Move to a cool area: Take your dog to a shaded, wellventilated spot or a cool indoor environment. If they seem to be improving, offer them water to drink.

Lower the temperature: If your dog is still struggling to breathe and seems dazed, use water to rinse their head and body, or gently wipe them down with a damp towel. Then, rush them to the nearest veterinary hospital for emergency care.

Avoid ice water: Never use ice water, as it can cause the dog's skin to contract, exacerbate heatstroke symptoms, and potentially lead to shock.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Heatstroke can cause damage to a dog's brain and nervous system. After providing immediate first aid to cool your dog down, it's essential to take them to a vet as soon as possible. While en route, ensure your dog's head is lower than their body, and their neck is extended to keep the airways clear.

As a pet owner, it's heartbreaking to see our beloved pets suffer from heatstroke. While knowing the basics of heatstroke first aid is important, understanding how to prevent it is equally crucial. Prevention is always better than cure, and keeping our dogs safe and healthy is our top priority.