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