Heat stroke may be deadly when a dog overheats and cannot cool down through panting. In such a situation, taking the right actions may save your pet’s life and lessen the likelihood that it will have long-term damage. Therefore, it’s critical to act immediately if your pet exhibits symptoms of a heat stroke. But do you know how to spot the signs of heatstroke in your pet and what to do about it?
What are the symptoms of canine heat stroke?
Heat stroke is a highly dangerous medical illness that, if left untreated, may result in irreversible organ damage and even death in animals. Pet owners sometimes don’t recognize that their dog is experiencing heat stroke until it’s too late. As a result, it’s critical to know the heat stroke signs to see if your pet starts to exhibit them. Below are a few typical symptoms of heatstroke in animals:
1. Heavily Panting
Dogs naturally pant to regulate their body temperatures. But if your dog is panting profusely and does not seem to slow down, it may signify that they are experiencing heat stroke. This can indicate that your pet is struggling to control its body temperature.
You must reduce their body temperature by giving them water or applying a moist cloth to their fur. This may aid in cooling down and lessening the severity of heatstroke in your pet. However, taking your dog to a pet pharmacy for a check-up is necessary, especially when your dog has been panting profusely for more than a few minutes.
2. Excessive Drooling
Excessive drooling in dogs is an indication of heatstroke. Your dog may start producing excessive saliva to cool down since it will pant and have difficulty controlling its body temperature. Your pet may be overheated and need a cool place to relax if you notice that they drool more often than usual.
Additionally, you should limit your pet’s time outside during the warmest periods of the day and avoid keeping them in direct sunlight for too long. To prevent heat stroke when your pet is outside, ensure they have access to shade and enough cool water. It is also a good idea to groom your pet regularly and remove any excess fur or hair that could trap heat and make them too hot.
3. Difficulty Breathing
Heatstroke may aggravate lung inflammation and make breathing difficult for your pet. Move your pet to a cooler location as soon as you discover they are having trouble breathing, and give them a lot of water. They may breathe more easily, and their body temperature may be lowered. However, you should seek medical help if your pet doesn’t react rapidly to the cooler atmosphere or if their respiratory problems don’t improve. To ensure that your dog receives the most excellent care and treatment, you should take them to an animal hospital.
4. Lethargy and Loss of Appetite
Lethargy, a lack of interest in eating, and a general loss of vitality are signs of heatstroke in pets. These changes in your pet’s behavior should be closely monitored since they may indicate a severe problem. Your pet may require attention if it appears sluggish and loses its appetite after being previously vivacious and energetic. Be aware that it may be deadly if heat stroke is not treated immediately. Therefore it’s crucial to watch out for indications of discomfort in your pet and take appropriate action. You can check out some emergency veterinary services for your pet here.
