Dealing With Heatstroke and Your Dog

Every dog loves to be outside. You also love being outside with your dog, even in the summer. When it is hot however you also need to protect your dog from heatstroke, just like you protect yourself. It is important to understand how dogs sweat. Unlike us, they excrete sweat only through their paws – specifically the pads. The only other way a dog has to keep their body cool is through panting. Keeping your dog cool is critical to ensuring that they do not wind up with heat stroke which is not only dangerous, but can be life threatening.

Water and Shade

The first secret to keeping your dog cool is making sure they have plenty of available clean and cool water. This means that weather you are at home, taking a walk or even playing in the park that your dog has a place where he can get a cool drink of water, preferably in the shade. If you are unsure whether your walking route will have water available, it is a good idea to carry water with you. A simple insulated bag can store your water as well as your dog’s water. Since your dog is not likely to know when he has had enough, it is a good idea to make sure that you try to slow him down and make resting a requirement of your outing. Remember, their little bodies are prone to not throwing off the heat and you will need to make sure you are cautious with your dog’s health.

Other Cool Tricks

Dogs love ice! You can add ice cubes to their outdoor water bowls or even find them frozen treats that they will love. Another fun option is to take their soft toys, soak them in water, and freeze them. Your dog will have a wonderful time playing with them and they will help him stay cool.

Bedding is very important in the summer time. Remember, that your dog is liable to want to sleep outside. One way to keep their bedding comfortable is to use sling type bedding that is off the ground. This bedding can be quickly hosed down with your hose a couple of times a day as well making it a fun resting place for them to cool off. The advantage of these types of beds and cots is that they also allow air to circulate around your dog. If your dog digs holes to get to the cooler dirt underground you can do something that will protect your yard. Consider purchasing a child’s wading pool. Your dog will be delighted to play in the water that you fill this with daily and you get the added benefit of being able to use the water again to water your yard or your garden. For those who do not have many trees in their yards that offer shade, consider purchasing a canopy that can be easily placed in your yard. Even a child’s tent is a perfect option if you do not have a big dog. If you do, consider visiting a thrift store or Army/Navy store for a full sized tent (new or used) that is sturdy and cost effective. Make sure if it is very hot that you allow your dog to spend time indoors during the hottest part of the day. While most dogs do love being outside in the summer, nothing could be better than letting him relax on your kitchen floor. The cool tile will be a treat for him and help keep him cool. 

What to Look For

Knowing the signs of heatstroke is important, as catching it early can mean the difference between a simple cool down and major medical problems.  Dogs are normally operating with a body temperature of around 100-102 degrees Fahrenheit.  Moderate heatstroke usually starts when the body temperature rises three to four degrees above normal and sever heatstroke is only two or three degrees above that.  So a dog with a temperature of 106 degrees F is in serious trouble.

Watch for these symptoms and take steps to cool your dog immediately using the information listed at the end of this article.

Signs of Heatstroke:
•             Rapid panting
•             Bright red nose and gums.
•             Thick, sticky saliva that drools heavily.
•             Weakness, dizziness, or an inability to move or function normally.
•             Vomiting, diarrhea, or uncontrollable dry heaves.
•             Shock-like symptoms, disorientation, or frequent passing out.

If any of these signs occur, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so do the following immediately:
•             Remove the dog from the hot area and into shade or indoors.
•             Wet the dog thoroughly with tap-cool water.  Never use ice or “dunk” the dog in water as this can restrict blood vessels and lower your dog’s natural ability to cool off.
•             Fan the dog to increase air circulation.
•             Wrap the dog in wet towels (again, cool tap water, no ice) and get to a veterinarian as quickly as safely possible. 

Hopefully you will never have to worry about how to treat heatstroke because these simple tips can prevent it from happening. However, in the event that heatstroke does occur you can deal with it properly and potentially save your dogs life.

Keeping your huntind dog safe is key, you should also take into consideration the hunting dog supplies you use for them too. Some great products are the SportDOG Field Trainer and the SportDOG 2500 dog training collar.