The temperature is increasing year by year, especially during the dry and scorching months, which causes pets' bodies to be unable to release heat quickly, leading to heat stroke. Meanwhile, not everyone knows how to administer first aid to their pets timely and correctly when such a phenomenon occurs. Therefore, to avoid putting your dog in danger when not treated promptly, follow petncute.com to read today's article!
1. CAUSES OF HEAT STROKE IN DOGS
Heat stroke is an especially dangerous condition, affecting not only the health but also the psychological well-being of your pet dog. To effectively prevent and treat this condition, first, petncute.com will list some causes of heat stroke in dogs, such as:
Exercise under the hot sun for too long: When exercising, especially when dogs over-exert themselves under the sun, their bodies generate a large amount of heat, increasing body temperature and leading to heat stroke.Sudden weather changes: When moving from a cool environment (like an air-conditioned room) to a hot, scorching environment outside, their bodies may not adjust their temperature effectively, leading to heat stroke!Being confined in a closed space: This is also one of the common causes of heat stroke in dogs. Specifically, if a pet dog is confined in a cage, kennel, or dark, narrow room for too long, heat stroke is inevitable.Due to medical conditions: In addition, older, sick dogs or those with other underlying conditions have a higher risk of heat stroke.
2. SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE IN DOGS
Below petncute.com will outline some signs to identify when your pet is experiencing heat stroke, as follows:
Panting heavily, wheezing, sticking out the tongue continuouslyDrooling thickly, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, fatigueDrinking more water than usualVomiting multiple times, exhausted with no energy to moveStaggering, losing balanceBright red blood-colored tongue, pale gumsSevere symptoms may cause seizures and coma in dogs3. FIRST AID FOR HEAT STROKE IN DOGS
When your dog shows the signs mentioned above, they are likely experiencing heat stroke. At this point, the most important thing is that the owner remains calm and performs the correct and sufficient first aid steps, as follows:
Move them to a cool place and give them water: First, when you see signs of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, you need to take them to a cool place (turn on a fan or air conditioning) and let them drink plenty of water. However, let the dog drink water on its own, because at this time it needs to pant continuously to dissipate heat from the body; helping them drink water could cause choking!Lower the dog's body temperature: Owners should use a mist spray bottle or a towel dipped in cool water and then wipe the pet’s whole body to cool them down. Note, do not use ice water or extremely cold water as it can make the heat stroke worse.Monitor the condition: After performing the above two steps, owners need to check the dog's breathing rate and body temperature. If after about 15-30 minutes the condition does not improve, take them to the nearest veterinary facility immediately!Important note: During the period of 2-4 hours after experiencing heat stroke, you should not feed your pet anything.
Compilation of first aid methods for heat stroke in dogs
4. SOME NOTES TO PREVENT HEAT STROKE IN DOGS
The climate in Vietnam is quite harsh, hot throughout the year, especially in the southern region. This is quite challenging for dogs’ endurance, particularly those with long, thick fur. Therefore, owners should be very cautious in preventing heat stroke in dogs. Below, petncute.com will suggest a few ways to prevent this condition, such as:
Limit outdoor activities for dogs: During hot times like summer, owners should limit outdoor activities, especially at noon. If wanting to take your dog for a walk, choose times with cooler weather like morning and late afternoon.Ensure adequate water supply for the dog: Always ensure there is enough water available for your dog in the kennel or someplace they can easily see to prevent dehydration.Ensure their living area is always cool and spacious: When the weather is hot, you should bring your dog inside to avoid the oppressive heat causing heat stroke. If they must stay outside, choose a clean, cool, shaded yard and provide enough drinking water.Trim their fur: For pets with excessively long fur, owners should take them regularly to reputable spas for neat trimming to remove dead, keratinized fur, or if skillful, you can trim your dog’s fur yourself!So, the article above has helped you understand more about heat stroke in dogs and its causes, signs, and preventive measures. petncute.com hopes you will have more useful information to support your pet dog. If you want to learn more about issues related to dogs and cats, don't forget to follow the subsequent articles of petncute.com.