A few years ago my German Shepherd Dog came down with heat stroke at a search and rescue training.  The dogs were in their crates, under a popup tent.  Somehow a tarp ended up covering his crate and literally baking him inside.  He wasn’t under it for more than just a few minutes but that was long enough for him to start exhibiting signs of heat stroke.  Luckily, he pulled through it with no problem and we avoided a potentially tragic situation.  Since then we have to be cautious as he is now prone to heat stroke.

So what are the signs of heat stroke? 

• Body temperature of 104° or above
• Skin is hot to the touch
• Rapid panting
• Difficulty breathing
• Bright red tongue/gums
• Thick sticky saliva
• Weakness
• Disoriented
• Seizures

What should you do if you think your dog is overheating?

• Immediately move your dog to a shaded cool place
• Check rectal temperature
• Pour rubbing alcohol over the feet, groin and arm pits will help to cool the dog due to rapid evaparation
• Never use ice or cold water to cool down your dog – Extreme cold with cause the blood vessels to constrict and causes the body to stop cooling
• Seek veterinary care

How can you prevent heat stroke?

• Never leave your dog in a car during warm days.  Cars act like an oven and can quickly heat up even if the windwos are left opened
• Avoid exercise on warm days
• Provide fresh cool water and shade

Good luck and have a wonderful summer!

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