Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a medical emergency! Know the signs
Dogs can quickly become too hot and reach a point of where their body temperature is too high and they are unable to cool themselves down and keep their body temperature within a SAFE margin.
Heatstroke can be caused by overexposure to sunlight (sunstroke) and hot and humid environments.
Your dog will need appropriate first aid to bring the body temperature down and you should seek immediate veterinary attention.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency, it can be fatal and it can also cause damage to internal organs.
Signs of Heatstroke in a dog include:
A raised body temperature
Heavy and rapid panting
Laboured breathing
Weakness
Wide eyes
Bright red tongue
Rapid pulse
Disorientation
Exhaustion
Diarrhoea &/or vomiting, distress
A dog can also collapse and go into a coma
When travelling to the vets with an overheated dog, soak towels in cold water and lay or sit your dog on a cold towel. Cool the vehicle down first before you get in it. Allow plenty of air to circulate inside the vehicle on the way to the vets - this aids evaporation. Take cold water with you for your dog to drink.
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