Playing Cool: How to Manage Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion in dogs is a very common issue of fur parents, especially during summer. It can be alarming to see your dog suffering from symptoms such as heat stroke, arrhythmia, and cardiac arrest. It’s not the same for every dog breed. Some tend to show signs of overheating after playing or exercising. Others only suffer from heat exhaustion because they are dehydrated. Regardless of what caused the issue, it’s important for you to manage it as effectively as you can. The key to doing that is early diagnosis plus prevention.
Signs of heat exhaustion in a dog
The best way to avoid any major health problems is prevention. It allows you to ensure that your dog is always in good shape. You must be quick to assess your dog’s condition and determine if he or she exhibits symptoms of overheating. Here are some examples of symptoms:
- Difficulty in breathing
- High fever
- Mild to severe dehydration
- Trouble urinating
- Excessive drooling
- Faster than usual pulse
If you notice any of the symptoms above, it would be best to start doing necessary measures to avert disaster. If you’re not completely sure about what you should consult with your
It’s also worth it to consider other factors such as your dog’s breed. Most of the time, heat exhaustion is commonly observed among extremely active dog breeds such as spaniels, retrievers, and shepherds. If you have an athletic dog, you should be extra careful in scheduling his or her exercise routine. See to it that your dog has enough break time. Also, see to it that you provide enough hydration especially after a rigorous routine.
Managing heat exhaustion
Besides keeping your pet hydrated and limiting hours spent on playing or exercising, there are plenty of other ways you can prevent problems caused by overheating. Some examples of methods you can use to manage or prevent heat exhaustion include:
- Transfer your dog to a shaded area and allow him or her to cool down.
- Massage your dog gently to boost blood circulation.
- Try spraying cool water on the body of your dog.
- Monitor the temperature of your pet and allow him or her to hydrate in small amounts
- Check the condition of your dog and determine he or she can still stand. If your dog is too weak, then it may be a sign to seek medical help.
Sploot View: Heat exhaustion in dogs
Exercise and other physical activities are proven effective in reducing stress and boosting the overall health of your dog. However, excessive activities can cause serious problems, especially during the hot summer season. This is why it’s crucial to manage heat exhaustion in dogs. It’s not that tricky, but you need to act fast to prevent disasters such as a fatal heatstroke.
If you spot any of the signs enumerated above, stop whatever you’re doing with your dog. Place him or her in a shaded area in your house and start doing first aid. If his or her symptoms do not improve, then the safest and most practical thing you can do is bring him or her to the vet.