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Due to their inability to sweat, dogs are not good at regulating their body temperature. If their internal temperature rises too much, it can have fatal complications for your pooch. As temperatures soar across Australia, it’s important to know how to spot when a dog is suffering from Heat Stroke and what you can do to help.
Photo credit: Alan Levine on Flickr
The signs:
- Excessive panting
- Thick, sticky saliva
- Tongue hanging out to the side
- Wobbly, uncoordinated walk
- Lying down more than normal
- Excessive drooling
- Rapid heart rate
What you can do:
- If possible, move the dog to a cooler environment, either in the shade or – if possible – an air conditioned room
- Wet the dog with cool (not iced) water to gradually bring the body temperature down
- Allow the dog to drink cool water freely
- Call a veterinarian and have the dog checked over for any lasting effects
How to prevent:
- Always provide plenty of shade and water
- Never leave dogs locked in car or room that can become too hot, like a garage or sun room
- If you’re going out when temperatures are forecast to be high, consider leaving the air conditioning or a fan on to provide a cool escape for your dog
If you’re worried about leaving your dog alone all day during the hot summer, there’s no need! Book a dog walker, house visit or even doggy day care through Mad Paws.
