Episodes > 108 > Pet Vet

Is your dog draggin?

Just because you do OK in the summer heat and humidity, don’t assume your pup is as well.

Sweating…feeling tired and nauseous…does your tongue feel like the Sahara desert? Well they’re a number of things that could be wrong with you, but for mans best friend most likely it’s heatstroke! Yes, dogs can get heatstroke just like humans and just like humans, if not treated immediately, it can cause brain damage and even death.

Even though most heatstroke situations occur in the summer, they often occur in the fall and spring as well. So how do I know if my dog has heatstroke? Check out the signs:

1. Muddy pink color of their gums
2. Their heart rate is elevated which causes a lot of panting.
3. They walk around as if they are in a daze
4. They have a panicked look on their faces.

If your dog has these symptoms get thee to a Vet ASAP, your pooch is in danger! What happens is that your dog has lost the ability to regulate his body temperature and he needs your help! So you need to cool him off immediately with water and ventilation. Once you have his temperature down (to around 103 Fahrenheit for dogs) take him to your Vet right away. Controlling his temperature is critical for the pup’s recuperation. If it goes over 105-Fahrenheit, physiological damage can occur, and if it goes above 108 Fahrenheit, cellular damage starts to occur in the internal organs.

Although every dog can get heatstroke there are some specific pooches that have a greater risk…

1. Puppies under 6 months old
2. Overweight dogs
3. Dogs with short wide muzzles like Pugs & English Bulldogs
4. Dogs with heart disease
5. Large breed dogs over 7 years old & small breed dogs over 14 years old

People can withstand dehydration and heat a lot longer than dogs. When you’re thirsty, your dog is scorched!