Once you know how to prevent heat stroke, you may still find yourself in this situation one day.
That’s why it’s essential to know what the warning signs are and how to act in order to save your furry friend’s life.
How to detect heat stroke
If you are suspicious, it is essential to know the symptoms so that you can act as soon as possible. These are usually:
- Excessive panting
- Sticky tongue
- Racing heart (tachycardia)
- Staggering, loss of consciousness
- Hot, dry skin
- Lack of response to commands
- Weakness and listlessness
- In more severe cases, vomiting or bloody diarrhoea, convulsions and even death
Bear in mind that in heat stroke a dog’s body temperature exceeds 40.5ºC while its usual internal temperature is usually 39 degrees. If you know now to measure its temperature with a thermometer, this reference can help you to control it and even to get out of doubt and go to the vet
What to do in the event of heat stroke
The essential thing is, as we said before, to go to the vet as soon as possible, but be careful!
It is important to try to lower his temperature a little in order to be able to take him to the vet. If our dog is suffering from heat stroke and the first thing we do is put him in the car, which has been in the sun all day, we will only make the situation worse. That is why it is essential to try to help our dog while we wait until it is safe to take him in. But as soon as it safe to take him, don’t wait a minute longer!!
In the meantime, if you can, the first thing to do is to move him to a cool, airy and shady area. If you cool him with water, it should always be cool water, but never ice water or ice as the temperature shock can be deadly. Cool areas of his body such as paws, belly and neck. You can massage their limbs to promote blood circulation.
It is good to moisten his mouth, but never force him to drink. He should hydrate only if he wants to, but never in abundance. You should only give him water to drink if he is able to sit or stand up to drink it and never give him water if he is lying down or unconscious as this could obstruct his airways and even cause aspiration pneumonia.
If your dog has suffered from heat stroke and, by following these steps, you notice that he has improved and is feeling much better, you should still go to the vet! It is important that they examine him and make sure that everything is under control and he isn’t in danger.
In short, you should always keep in mind ways to help keep your furry friend cool during the hottest months of the year to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Above all, exercise caution!