As warm weather rolls around again, you may be looking forward to having some fun in the sun with your pooch. However, overheating in dogs is not uncommon as we all know that, unlike humans, they are unable to sweat. Although they are able to release heat by panting, this may not always be sufficient, especially on particularly hot days. In this article, we share with you some signs of overheating in dogs and what you can do about it.
Signs of Overheating in Dogs
In the summer, you may wish to pay more attention to how your dog reacts to the weather outside. At the first sign of overheating, you will want to stop the walk and move indoors or adopt some other remedy. Below are some signs that your dog is overheating:
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive panting and/or drooling
- Increased heartbeat and pulse
- Thirst
- Change in tongue or gum color
- Stumbling
- Disorientation
- … and more!
Every dog reacts differently to the heat, and you will want to be cautious and adjust the pace and duration of the walk to suit your furry friend.
What to Do When Your Dog Is Overheated
Once you notice that your dog is experiencing signs of overheating, take immediate action to cool them down. Below are some solutions you can adopt:
- Bring your dog indoors as soon as possible, preferably to an air-conditioned place or where there is a fan your dog can cool down in front of.
- Place wet cloths on your dog’s neck and hind legs. You may also wish to wet their paws and ears gently with cool water.
- Offer your dog water but do not force them to drink if they are not ready for it.
- If all else fails or your dog has gone unconscious, bring them to a vet. You may wish to call ahead if your dog is susceptible to overheating.
In addition, you may wish to try the following preventative measures:
- Limit outdoor activity on particularly hot and humid days. You may wish to schedule walks earlier in the mornings or later in the evenings.
- Bring water for your dog and ensure that you take frequent breaks during walks.
- Dogs should not be left alone in cars, even for a short while. Never underestimate how long it can take the interior of your car to warm up.
Shop for Merchandise for the Pet Lover in Your Life
Do you know someone who is obsessed with their pet? Maybe that person is even you. When you shop with us at Squishy Faces, you can browse by dog breed to suit your preferences. We have a wide range of shirts, outerwear, and tumblers available in our online shop. Every month, we donate at least 10% of our profits to an animal shelter, so you can be assured that every purchase you make is contributing towards a greater cause. Please feel free to contact us today if you have any questions about our products.