Any dog and cat can suffer from heat related illness, including dehydration and heat stroke. Sometimes this results in death. A dog's normal body temperature is 101-102 degrees, at 106 serious organ damage and death can occur. And it doesn't take extraordinary circumstances to reach that temperature. Over exertion, seriously hot environment, lack of water, lack of shade, illness, and medications can all lead to a dog's temperature to rise dangerously. Over exertion in a relatively cool environment can cause the symptoms.
Certain breeds of dogs are also more likely to have heat related issues due to their physical traits:
- Brach cephalic breeds (this means breeds with short faces) Pugs, English bulldogs, Pekingese, mastiffs, Shar Pei, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and boxers are just a few…not to mention some mixes (like my bullador) and very large dogs. Shorter airways don't allow them to cool themselves as efficiently as more "long nosed" dogs.
- Dark or thick coated dogs.
- Overweight dogs.
- Older dogs.
- Ill dogs. (Especially heart disease and poor circulation)
- Very young puppies.
- Dogs on medications
- Dogs under stress
- Signs of danger:
Rapid panting
Bright red tongue
Red or pale gums
Thick, sticky saliva
Depression
Weakness
Dizziness
Vomiting - sometimes with blood
Diarrhea
Shock
Coma
The pet will appear sluggish and unresponsive and may appear disorientated
TREAT THIS AS AN EMERGENCY AND SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT IMMEDIATELY. ON THE WAY YOU CAN cool your pet with wet towels, spray with cool water from a hose or by providing ice chips for your pet to chew (providing he is conscious).
Dogs and cats don't sweat and can overheat and die in a very short period of time. Never leave them in danger! Animals left in cars, tied in the sun, no access to water, forced to over exert…all qualify as serious animal abuse.
I've written many articles on keeping your pets safe in hot weather. PLEASE, don't take a chance. The little guys you have locked in cages in your homes, the birds, the gerbils, the hamsters….they can't get water and food for themselves. Don't be a person that ignores the suffering. Pain is pain. Take care of your pets.
Thanks for reading! Keepsake16@yahoo.com
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