Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are unfortunately not limited solely to human beings. Dogs are highly susceptible to heat stroke and each year countless numbers of pups die in hot cars or from over-activity on hot and/or humid days.
 
What is Heat Stroke?
Heat stroke is a fever that occurs when a dog is subjected to prolonged exposure to high temperature or humidity to a point where the animal is unable to maintain normal body temperature. This is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Once the symptoms of heat stroke appear, there is precious little time before serious damage - or even death - can occur.
 
Dogs do not sweat through their skin like humans - they release heat primarily by panting and sweating through the foot pads and nose. If a dog cannot effectively expel heat, the internal body temperature begins to rise.
 
What Increases the Risk of Heat Stroke?
Heat exhaustion affects both large and small dogs alike, though certain factors can increase the risk of your dog being affected by heat stroke:
 
Thicker or darker coats
These hold more heat however dogs with thin coats - including those who've just gotten a new shortly clipped summer "do" at the groomers - are at risk of sunburn as well.

Puppies and geriatric animals
Young and old pets are more sensitive to high temperatures because they cannot acclimatize effectively.

Animals with medical problems.
History of seizures , heart or lung disease should never be exposed to hot humid temperatures.

Certain breeds with short snouts
Dogs such as Shit Tzus, Boxers, Pekinese, Bulldogs and Persian cats are particularly susceptible as their flat faces can make breathing difficult.
 
What NOT to Do
To reduce the risk of heat-related illness it's important to heed the following advice:
 
DON'T leave your pet outside in hot and humid weather with no shade or water.

DON'T exercise your pet in hot humid weather even if you have water available.

NEVER leave your pet in a closed car in direct sun or on a warm day. Even cracking open the windows can be deadly. Panting, while a normal physiological means to reduce a dog's body temperature, saturates the air with water vapor and actually makes the air in the car warmer. This consequently makes it even more difficult for an animal to cool down.
 
What to Look For
Early signs of heat exhaustion include rapid breathing, heavy panting, enlarged tongue, and salivation. Other symptoms are fatigue, muscle tremors, and staggered walking.

As heat exhaustion progresses to heat stroke the dog may also exhibit vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, or collapse, exaggerated panting (or the sudden stopping of panting), rapid or erratic pulse; salivation; an anxious or staring expression; weakness and muscle tremors; lack of coordination; red tongue and lips (which may eventually turn bluish in colour); convulsions or vomiting; collapse, coma and ultimately death.

Treating An Over-Heated Dog

• Carry the dog to a cool, shady place.
• Apply water to the head, neck, and chest and fan the dog vigorously using cardboard or a blanket to speed evaporation. The evaporation process cools the blood. Do not apply ice as this constricts blood flow and does not effectively lower the animal's core temperature.
• Let your dog roll in grass or lay with their belly on the grass or in a puddle of water.
• Let your dog walk on the grass or through water versus pavement or concrete.
• Cool the dogs feet by placing them in cool water. Dogs dissipate a great deal of heat through their pads and the cool water on the veins helps cool the blood.
• Give some cool water - but restrict the amount. The dog may vomit the water if consumed too quickly. Alternatively, let the dog lick ice cubes or even ice cream.
• Take the dog to a veterinarian immediately for further treatment in serious cases or if symptoms persist longer than 30 minutes.

What We Do at Wag Zone
To actively reduce the risk of heat stroke during the hot summer months we:

• closely monitor their play level while outside and even indoors on extremely hot days;
• take the dogs to the river during the morning leashed walks and encourage them to wade or at least get their ankles wet in the water;
• run a sprinkler and use hoses in the outside play yard to keep the grass damp and the pups cool;
• keep a large fan blowing and a water mister running indoors
• place cold, wet towels on the floor for dogs to stand or lie on when they return from outdoor play;
• keep frozen towels close at hand just in case; and
• allow the dogs to rest for at least 30 - 60 minutes in a cool, dimly lit room each day.

 Summertime can be a wonderful and fun time for you and your pup - just keep the focus on staying cool and safe.

We love you Dukie and are going to miss you more than you will know.

The Gang at Wag Zone