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Many dog owners enjoy spending time at beaches with their pups during summer. However, you should remember that exposure to high temperatures can be life-threatening for your furry friend, which is why you must be extra careful during the summer months.
Many dog owners enjoy spending time at beaches with their pups during summer.
However, you should remember that exposure to high temperatures can be life-threatening for your furry friend, which is why you must be extra careful during the summer months.
There are three different types of heat-related illnesses, with heatstroke being the most severe. Heat cramps, characterized by muscle spasms, are often the first sign your pup may be experiencing a heat-related illness. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration are frequently linked to heat cramps.
If your pup continues being exposed to heat, it could lead to heat exhaustion. Weakness and fatigue are the most common signs your dog may have heat exhaustion. However, it could also be accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea. Your furry friend will probably have a normal or slightly higher temperature and dehydration at this stage.
It's crucial that you, if you notice any signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, immediately put your dog in a cool place and provide him with a small amount of water. Both heat cramps and heat exhaustion could lead to a much serious heat-induces illness - heatstroke.
The most notable indications of the transition from heat exhaustion to heatstroke are the symptoms of central nervous system damage, such as seizures or disorientation, high body temperature (higher than 41°C), and often multiple organ dysfunction.
There are three different types of heat-related illnesses, with heatstroke being the most severe.
Heat cramps, characterized by muscle spasms, are often the first sign your pup may be experiencing a heat-related illness. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration are frequently linked to heat cramps.
If your pup continues being exposed to heat, it could lead to heat exhaustion. Weakness and fatigue are the most common signs your dog may have heat exhaustion.
However, it could also be accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea. Your furry friend will probably have a normal or slightly higher temperature and dehydration at this stage.
It's crucial that you, if you notice any signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, immediately put your dog in a cool place and provide him with a small amount of water.
Both heat cramps and heat exhaustion could lead to a much serious heat-induces illness - heatstroke.
The most notable indications of the transition from heat exhaustion to heatstroke are the symptoms of central nervous system damage, such as seizures or disorientation, high body temperature (higher than 41°C), and often multiple organ dysfunction.
In dogs, the inability to cool down their bodies is what causes a heatstroke.
Heatstroke leads to damage of the body's tissues (inflammation) that causes less blood flow to the organs, ultimately resulting in organ failure and damage.
All of the dog’s body functions may be affected by heatstroke, but the primary ones include:
Central nervous system
Heart
Liver
Coagulation system
Kidneys
Heat shock proteins, made to protect your pup's body from stress and heat, are also damaged by heatstroke, further overwhelming the body's defense mechanisms.
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Recognizing the symptoms of heatstroke in time can save your pup’s life.
These are the main signs your dog may be experiencing heatstroke:
Excessive panting, which may be accompanied by increased salivation
Reddened or purple gums and tongue
Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
High body temperature (above 41°C)
Dehydration
Diarrhea (may contain blood)
Vomiting (also may contain blood)
Lethargy and disorientation
Weakness
Seizures
If you observe any of these symptoms in your dog, acting immediately and seeking veterinary attention is crucial.
Our furry friends are more sensitive to heat than we are, and that is because their bodies cannot cool down through sweating - at least not in the same way as the human body can.
Unlike humans, dogs have a relatively small number of sweat glands, which are located in their footpads. They regulate their body temperature through panting, which causes water to evaporate from their tongue. That's why you'll probably notice your pup is panting more than usual during the summer months. However, this cooling method is inefficient, and dogs can quickly overheat.
The most common situations that lead to heatstroke in dogs are:
Our furry friends are more sensitive to heat than we are, and that is because their bodies cannot cool down through sweating - at least not in the same way as the human body can.
Unlike humans, dogs have a relatively small number of sweat glands, which are located in their footpads. They regulate their body temperature through panting, which causes water to evaporate from their tongue.
That's why you'll probably notice your pup is panting more than usual during the summer months. However, this cooling method is inefficient, and dogs can quickly overheat.
The most common situations that lead to heatstroke in dogs are:
You should never leave your dog in a car, even with partially opened windows.
Research has shown that the temperature inside a car can rise by an average of 22°C per hour. This means that, even if it's only 20°C outside, the temperature inside the car can quickly exceed 43°C.
You should be extra cautious during shared activities with your pup on hot summer days. Dogs can develop heatstroke even during a regular walk for a relatively short time in the summer heat.
Consider taking your dog for exercising and walks early in the morning or late in the evening, and always provide them with plenty of fresh water. Of course, your pup will need to go for potty breaks during the day too, but make that a quick walk and try to stick to the shadows.
As a dog owner, we know that you would like to share summer joys with your precious pup and enjoy the beach together. Don't worry - that's not forbidden.
However, some precautions should be taken to prevent your dog from experiencing a heatstroke. That's why we prepared detailed guidelines for you to safely enjoy summer with your furry friends.
Here are some tips for safely taking your dog to the beach with you this summer:
Take your dog to the beach earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. Avoid the hours when temperatures are the highest, and the sun is strongest, typically between 11 AM and 5 PM.
Ensure your pup always has access to shade while on the beach.
Provide your pup with lots of fresh water to prevent dehydration.
If your pup is not a fan of swimming and would rather spend time with you on the beach, outside the sea, make sure to regularly moisten their head and ears with water (be careful not to let water enter their ears to prevent ear infections). Furthermore, in this case, it's essential that your dog stays in the shade most of the time and drinks sufficient amounts of water.
Following these guidelines, you and your beloved pup can have a pawsome summer together.
Your dog is more likely to experience a heatstroke if they fit any of the following descriptions:
Dogs with brachycephalic syndrome - dogs with shortened or flattened snouts, such as boxers and bulldogs.
Dogs with heart problems
Dogs with collapsing trachea
Dogs with laryngeal paralysis
Older dogs and puppies
Remember that any dog can get heatstroke. Therefore whether or not your dog fits into one of these categories, you must treat this condition seriously.
If you suspect your dog is experiencing heatstroke, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately - do not wait because prompt treatment is essential in this situation. Severe damage occurs when a dog's body temperature reaches 43°C - this leads to organ failure, and death is possible.
It's vital to start cooling your pup before arriving at the clinic; your vet will probably give you instructions on how to do this. This has been shown to increase your dog's chances of survival from 50% to 80%.
You should never use ice when cooling your dog, as this can increase the risk of shock, leading to further organ damage and even cause hypothermia in your dog.
Move your pup to a cool place or in front of a fan if possible. During the transportation to the veterinary clinic, slowly and gently moisten your dog with room-temperature water and place some wet towels on their back.
If you suspect your dog is experiencing heatstroke, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately - do not wait because prompt treatment is essential in this situation.
Severe damage occurs when a dog's body temperature reaches 43°C - this leads to organ failure, and death is possible.
It's vital to start cooling your pup before arriving at the clinic; your vet will probably give you instructions on how to do this. This has been shown to increase your dog's chances of survival from 50% to 80%.
You should never use ice when cooling your dog, as this can increase the risk of shock, leading to further organ damage and even cause hypothermia in your dog.
Move your pup to a cool place or in front of a fan if possible.
During the transportation to the veterinary clinic, slowly and gently moisten your dog with room-temperature water and place some wet towels on their back.
Heatstroke in dogs is usually diagnosed based on clinical signs, body temperature, and a history of exposure to high temperatures - when and how long the dog was exposed to extreme heat.
Your vet will likely recommend further tests, including a complete blood count, urinalysis for an initial assessment, and serum biochemistry tests.
Your dog will temporarily be hospitalized after being diagnosed with heatstroke.
Your vet may use a variety of techniques to treat heatstroke, including:
Fluid therapy through subcutaneous injection or intravenously using an IV catheter to treat dehydration
Medications to reduce or prevent symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea
Antibiotics may be given in order to avoid infection
Your vet may use medications to control seizures and reduce brain swelling, depending on the severity of your dog’s condition
Oxygen therapy, plasma transfusion, and/or medications to regulate heart rhythm
During your pup's stay at the vet clinic, your vet will closely monitor their behavior, pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and breathing rate. If necessary, an electrocardiogram (ECG) test may be conducted.
Furthermore, repeated blood tests will likely be needed to monitor changes. Prompt and proper medical attention is crucial for the successful recovery of a dog who experienced a heatstroke.
Your pup's recovery from heatstroke depends on the severity of their body temperature, the duration of exposure to high temperatures, and how quickly your dog receives medical attention.
There are several additional steps you can take to help your dog recover from heatstroke as soon as possible.
After being discharged from the veterinary clinic, your pooch will need plenty of rest and extra attention. Avoid forcing your dog into any physical activities - let your pup rest; he's been through a lot!
Once the treatment is completed, your dog's immune system will be weakened. Consider giving them food supplements to boost their immunity and help them recover faster.
Besides immune-boosting supplements, incorporate some well-known healthy foods in your pup's diet, such as blueberries and turmeric, which can help improve your dog's immunity and enhance their blood profile.
About a week or two after the heatstroke treatment, it's essential to repeat blood tests to ensure all organs function normally.
And lastly, remember to shower your pooch with affection and attention during their recovery! Your care and love will be essential for their emotional well-being.
By providing your dog with proper care and attention, you can support their recovery and help them be pawfectly happy and healthy again.
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Earlier in the article, we provided tips for summer activities with your pup, and what you can do to avoid heatstroke in your dog.
Let’s briefly recap the steps for preventing heatstroke in dogs:
Always ensure your pet has access to shade and fresh water while outdoors
Avoid physical activities during the day; instead, leave them for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
Never leave your dog in a parked car, even on cooler days or with open windows.
During the highest temperatures, keep your dog indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned environment.
The risk of heatstroke in dogs is significant if proper care is not taken, especially with the recent climate changes.
Remember, our four-legged friends are more vulnerable to heat than us, which is why we need to take special care of them during the summer months.
With proper care for your dog during summer, you will be able to enjoy it together and provide your pup with an unforgettable summer spent with their favorite human.