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What Causes Heat Stroke in Dogs?

September 25, 2020
Amber Van Denzen

What Causes Heat Stroke in a Dog?

With 95+ degree temperatures right now in Florida- Lakeland Pet Sitters and Pet Parents need to be extremely careful to avoid dog heatstroke.

Heatstroke can leade to long term Organ failure or even Death.

Typical Dog Temperature:

98-102 Normal- anything above- dangerous!

Causes:

  • High Temperatures

  • High Humidity

  • Dehydration

  • lack of Ventilation

  • Strenuous Exercise

Dogs More Prone:

  • Sick Dogs

  • Puppies

  • Seniors

  • Brachycephalic

  • Obese

  • Dogs that Overexert- not stop play types

Avoid:

  • Hot Concert/Rock- if you cant touch with back of hand- too hot for them

  • Play outside during non peak hot times

  • Play with hose/sprinkler

  • Bring water with you for pup

  • Take breaks in the shade

  • Build up to longer walks if never done before or during change of a season

  • DO NOT LEAVE in car- even for 10 minutes- also illegal in Florida.

Signs + Symptoms:

  • Excessive Painting ( harder to determine)

  • Excessive Drinking

  • Increased Body Temp

  • BRIGHT RED gums

  • Vomiting/Diarrhea

  • Staggering/Weakness

  • Seizures

  • Peticia ( bruising on the skin)

What You Should Do If it Happens:

  • Move pet to cooler place

  • Run COOL water- NOT COLD cover whole body

  • Spray paw pads with Alcohol to help get rid of heat quickly from the body

  • Run cool water in mouth/tounge- do not choke

  • Massage Dogs Legs

  • Cool Pad to top of head

  • Offer water-slowly

  • Get to Vet! Follow Up care may be needed.

  • Look out for signs for weeks after incident

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