Learn the Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs

Learning the signs of heat stroke in dogs can save your pets life and educating yourself is the best way to avoid putting your pet in harm’s way.

This time of year it can be really difficult to cool down and this is especially true for dogs as they cool themselves in a completely different way than we do.

Dogs sweat through their Merocrine glands and their Apocrine glands, the Merocrine glands are located in your pets paw pads or what my daughter refers to as their toe beans. 

These glands can omit a sweatlike substance that is usually in the form of a pawprint on your porch on a really hot day.

The Apocrine glands are located throughout the entire body but these glands main purpose is to release pheromones, not prevent a heat stroke in dogs so keeping your dog cool is very important as they can suffer from a heat stroke faster than you may think.

Keep in mind that they are sporting that full Winter coat all year long so frequent checks on them when outside is a good way to prevent a heat stroke in dogs as well as always offering clean water and shelter from the sun while out.

Learning the signs of heat stroke in dogs is essential to keeping them safe during these extremely hot days.

Lethargy

Like most humans, when it is excessively hot outside we tend to minimize our activity in order to not overexert ourselves in the heat.

Heavy panting

If your dog is panting harder and faster than normal it is a good idea to bring them to a cool place to relax and offer them a drink as this is a common sign of heat stroke.

Excessive Drooling 

Dogs will salivate excessively when overheated so it is a good idea to keep an eye on them if this sign is present and be sure to offer them plenty of water as well as a cool place to relax after exerting themselves in the heat.

Vomiting

There are many reasons your pet may be vomiting or but if you attribute this symptom to heat stroke it may be a good time to contact your vet and be sure to bring your pet in from the heat as well as offer them water.

Diarrhea 

If your pet will not take in water and is experiencing diarrhea they will dehydrate themselves and make this an even more complicated situation that is most certainly serious and in need of a veterinarians attention.

Coordination Difficulties 

If you find your pet exhibiting signs of being dizzy or having coordination difficulties you should contact your vet immediately and not leave them unattended to avoid further injury until they can be seen by a vet.

Learning the signs of heat stroke in dogs can ultimately save your dog’s life and if you share this infographic, you can help save someone else’s dog too.

These signs of heat stroke in dogs does not in anyway serve as a diagnosis from a professional and if you are concerned for your dogs well being seek immediate medical attention from a professional immediately.