Did you know:

Dogs can die in a very short time from heat stroke

Because dogs do not sweat to cool themselves

The only way dogs cool themselves is by panting

Moisture from the tongue evaporates as the tongue moves in and out and the dog inhales and exhales over it, cooling the dog

Heat stroke occurs when:

The dog’s panting cannot cool the dog enough to prevent the body from overheating

Treatment:

1. Soak the conscious dog in cool water until rectal temperature is below 103 degrees

2. Move to cool ventilated area

3. Transport to a veterinarian

High risk dogs are:

1. Old dogs

2. Overweight dogs

3. Dogs with short faces ( like bulldogs, boxers, pugs, etc.)

4. Dogs with pre-existing heart problems

Prevention:

Do not leave your dog in a closed car on a sunny day or when outside temperatures are above 60 degrees fahrenheit.

Stop exercising your dog when the tip of his tongue widens during exercise!

Make sure the outside dog has shade and plenty of fresh drinking water

Signs of heatstroke:

Early: heavy panting, bright red gums body temperature above 105 degrees

Late: stupor pale gums vomiting and diarrhea

Terminal: coma no breathing

Failure to protect your dog from conditions leading to heat stroke is considered cruelty in the form of neglect!