Summer Tips to Prevent Dog Heatstroke

1 Overview

Especially French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Pug owners – watch closely, always have water, never run out. Go out less, turn on AC.

1. Is a dog really afraid of heat?

Of course; dogs fear heat more than people. Normal temp 37.8-39C; in hot summer when it rises above 40C organs start to suffer, 41C means high danger. In hot humid weather, severe cases can fail and die in as little as 20 minutes.

So heatstroke is the biggest summer threat to dog health.

2. Why do dogs heatstroke more easily?

Unlike people who sweat all over to cool, a dog’s skin sweat glands are poor – only on paw pads and tongue – so it cannot regulate temperature well. But in heat and strong sun, metabolism surges, makes more heat, loses less, builds up internal heat. And dogs do not stop activity for weather or drink proactively.

So dogs heatstroke many times more often than people.

3. What are heatstroke symptoms?

Rapid breathing, drooling, vomiting, even sudden blank stare, soft body unable to stand. Severe: whole-body convulsions, bulging eyes, full-body twitching, legs like swimming, foaming mouth. Without prompt care, shock, coma, then heart failure and death.

Body signs: purple tongue, white gums, temp generally above 40C. Measure with a thermometer inserted one-third to half into the anus, 4-5 minutes.

4. How to prevent heatstroke?

Walk dogs in morning or evening when cooler; avoid noon sun. Paw pads on hot ground burn easily.

Keep indoor temp steady and cool; do not set AC too low, especially for dogs moving between rooms – one room cooled, one not, easily causes heatstroke. Without AC, use a fan for air flow. Keep constant temp, no swings, or the dog catches cold.

Also, clip the coat short – note: short, not bare. Coat shields the skin from sun; shaving all makes sunburn and skin disease easier.

Second, give plenty of drinking water, always available; place several bowls. Water helps cool. Outdoors, carry a travel bottle full of water.

Do not give cold drinks – causes gastroenteritis. Diet: avoid heating foods like oily kibble, eggs; eat more veggies and coarse grains. Less high-oil high-fat food, control calories.

5. What if the dog heatstrokes?

Heatstroke is urgent. If found, do first aid like alcohol-wipe the body, then rush to hospital for follow-up.

When symptoms appear, first remove the collar, chest strap or other items on the pet. If only mild (drooling, panting, restless), lower the temperature, move to shade, fan or AC, give some water to recover.

If already hard breathing and dull, rinse the whole body with cold water nearby, put ice on head, groin, inner thigh, or half-submerge, then rush to hospital.

When severely heatstroked, shocked, comatose: combine the above, plus alcohol wipe or pour cold water into the rectum via anus, then rush. On the way keep the head low, neck straight, airway open, prevent vomiting.

6. Outdoor precautions in summer!

Do not take the dog out long at noon under harsh sun; other times also avoid long direct-sun exposure and over-running.

Out, carry a small spray bottle to mist the body; bring enough water; in very humid weather, physically cool by alcohol-wiping head, armpits or groin.

Never leave the dog alone in a car, even briefly. Car heat turns it into a hot dog.

A dog’s health needs each owner’s careful care; in hot weather be ready to prevent and learn first aid, so every dog enjoys a healthy happy summer.