As the temperatures begin to climb in Nashville, dog owners need to be aware of the dangers of heatstroke and what kinds of dogs are at higher risk. These are risk factors for heatstroke:
- Older age
- Very young age
- Obesity
- Short-nosed breeds like bulldogs and pugs
- Dark-colored coats
- A thick, dense coat
- Hyperthyroidism
- Cardiopulmonary disease
A dog’s normal body temperature is 101-102 degrees Fahrenheit. When your dog’s environment approaches or exceeds 102 degrees, he is in serious danger of heatstroke. Last summer a temperature of 110 degrees was recorded in Madison, TN, ten minutes north of Nashville.
However, because your dog walks around wearing a fur coat, he is at risk of heatstroke simply taking a walk when the temperature is in the 90’s or engaging in vigorous exercise when the temperature is in the 80’s. Many people shave or trim their dog’s coat in the summer and this does help your dog stay cooler.
Early symptoms of heatstroke:
- Excessive or fluctuating panting
- Excessive salivation
- Slight foaming at the mouth
- Agitated whining or barking
More serious symptoms of heatstroke:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Dry gums
- Difficulty breathing
Near-fatal symptoms of heatstroke:
- Listlessness
- Weakness
- Collapse
- Seizures
- Coma
The best prevention for heatstroke is to always walk your dog in the coolest part of the day. During the summer, this is just after sunrise or as early as possible. The second-coolest time for a walk is at sunset or as late in the evening as possible. Some people even walk their dogs after dark, but be sure to use a reflective leash or harness and wear something reflective yourself for safety if you do.
If you have a special needs dog such as an overweight dog, senior dog, or a very young puppy, then walking your dog in the coolest part of the day is not just a convenience but a necessity. The worst possible scenario is to end up at the far end of your usual walk with a dog that is experiencing the first stages of heat exhaustion.
If you own a healthy young adult dog with reasonable tolerance for the heat, then walks, hikes and trips to the dog park should be fine, but you should still keep a close eye on your four-legged friend. Many dogs get so excited about chasing a ball or wrestling with their buddies, that they don’t realize they are getting overheated unless you make them stop and rest or get a drink of water.
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