Dog Heatstroke

Erica and I took Ralphie to the dog park this morning and I noticed the dogs' behaviors were a little different.  It was a hot, sunny morning with temperatures creeping up to mid to upper 80s.  The dogs played for short periods of time and then taking breaks in the shade, panting heavily.  Ralphie had a lot of energy to burn when we arrived as we opened the gate; but it didn't last too long.  Today was the first time Ralphie was willing to leave the park on his own...no bribing him to leave.  As we were walking over the bridge to the exit, Ralphie still wanted to get that last bit of energy out of him with a pitbull.  So the two ran and wrestled some more.  This pitbull was exhausted to the point he was a bit unsteady.  I was happy the owner noticed and knew it was time to leave.   This alarmed me so I had to google dog heatstroke, signs and what to do.  This is what I found...great information!   We really need to be careful this summer ... our pets count on us to keep them healthy!!

Heatstroke symptoms include:

• Rapid, sometimes frantic, excessive panting
• Tongue and mucus membranes are bright pink or red and the saliva is thick and tenacious (drooling does not mean that your dog is hydrated! Check the consistency of the drool!)
• Vomiting and sometimes diarrhea that can be bloody
• Unsteady, staggering gait
• Nose and ears dry and hot to the touch
• Body (rectal) temperature is 104 degrees or higher

What to do:

• Move your dog to the shade
• Drinking cool water alone will not fix the problem! Do not let your dog guzzle large amounts of water at a time.
• Immerse your dog in cool NOT icy cold water. Use a garden hose or bucket to cool the undersides including the groin and arm pits. Use a wet towel or bandana to cool underside if a hose is unavailable
• Pack ice in wet towels and use on underside and head to help cool dog
• Get the dog to a vet! Even after he seems to be cooled                                                                                                             

  

  Erica rinsing off and cooling Ralphie at the dog park...HOT DAY!

  
  

  

  Ralphie's tail is tucked, but truly he is feeling refreshed!