With the weather warming up, it’s not always easy to spot heat strokes in dogs. It’s important to remember how warm temperatures affect dogs and prevent heat exhaustion, which can lead to severe and potentially fatal conditions. Unlike us humans, our pups can’t sweat out excess body heat. Veterinarians say there are a few vital warning signs every dog owner should know.
7 Warning Signs Your Dog Is Experiencing Heat Stroke
Your dog is running a fever
A high body temp is one of the telltale signs your dog is suffering from heatstroke. While this may not be the most glamorous way, the best way to check your dog’s temp is rectally. If it exceeds 105°F, call your dog’s vet immediately and seek medical attention.
Your pup is panting really loud with a wide-open mouth
Dogs pant to regulate their body temperature, that’s normal. However, if the panting is excessive, abnormally loud, and it seems like your pooch is working hard to breathe, it’s another sign of heatstroke in dogs.
Excessive drooling
While a little drool is normal and probably used to it, be on the lookout for lots of it. Also, if your pooch’s drool is thicker or stickier than usual, it could be a warning sign of heatstroke.
Bright red, gray, purple, or bluish gums
If you suspect your dog may be experiencing excessive dehydration, peek at their gums. If they’re a different color than usual, or their tongue turns blue or bright red, they’re most likely dehydrated.
Your pup may start acting weird
Common symptoms of heatstroke in dogs can resemble someone who’s had one too many to drink at the bar. Your dog may act disoriented, have trouble standing up, stumble while they walk, act as if they’re in a trance – and even collapse. If your pup ever experiences any of these symptoms, it’s always good to check in with the vet, but if you know they’ve been exposed to high heat, it could be related to heatstroke.
If your dog doesn’t have to ‘go’
If your pup isn’t producing urine, it’s probably because they’re dehydrated or overheated. Always offer your dog plenty of water on a warm day!
Your pooch is experiencing muscle tremors
These can be really scary, especially if you’re a new dog parent or your pup has never experienced this before. If you notice your dog is shaking uncontrollably or shivering as if they’re cold, regardless of the outside temp, it may be caused by heat exhaustion.
If you notice your pup experiencing any of these symptoms, immediately try to take them into a colder area and rub cool water around their ears and paws if they refuse to take a sip. Then give their vet a call asap, even if you think they may be feeling better, they may need to be monitored.
