Spring is here, being in Dallas and other dog walking areas, it can still reach high temperatures during the day. Whether you have an outside dog or an inside dog you take for walks, you need to be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion. Just like humans, our furry friends can suffer heat stroke and even death if the proper precautions are not taken.
The signs of heat exhaustion/stroke are:
o Heavy panting and gasping for air.
o A “drunken” stagger when they walk.
o Excessive foaming and/or drooling.
o Weakness and vomiting.
o Dark red gums.
o Decrease in urine production.
Action to take:
o Move the dog to a cool area and offer only small amounts of water (too much water will cause the dog to vomit).
o Wipe the dog with cool water, not cold water, and place wet clothes on feet as this is one of the places where a dog can get rid of the heat
o Call your vet immediately (especially if your dog losses consciousness) if temperature is over 103F as brain damage and death can occur at 109F.
Precautions to take in the heat:
o Leave your dog plenty of water and give them open access to it so it can as needed.
o Let your dog sit in front of a cool fan and wipe it down with a cool cloth after long walks.
o Give your dog shade to sit under outdoors and let them in if they start to show ANY signs of overheating.
o Freeze water bottles and wrap them in a tube sock so your dogs can lay on them while outside. (also works well for rabbits)
By Staff Writer Trish Harding
Fetch Pet Care of NE Dallas
nedallas@fetchpetcare.com
http://dallas-plano-richardson.fetchpetcare.com
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