We enjoy such beautiful weather here in Long Beach but during the summer the temperatures can soar and we have to be mindful of our pets and watch for heat exhaustion. Dogs often suffer heat exhaustion even during the mildly hot days of early summer. Heat exhaustion is serious and sometimes fatal, symptoms can escalate very quickly.
Prevention is key to avoiding heat exhaustion. Keep your pets indoors, don’t leave dogs in a parked car, avoid exercise during the heat of the day and plenty of water are just a few of the obvious ways you can help keep your pets safe and cool.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion:
Excessive or loud panting. Dogs eliminate heat by panting. When panting is not enough your dog's body temperature begins to rise and this can become fatal if not corrected in time.
Excessive thirst: if your dog is consuming a lot of water he or she may be showing signs of heat exhaustion
Restlessness
Reddened or purple gums
Body temperature of 104 or higher.
Bloody diarrhea or vomiting.
Disorientated, wobbly, stumbling or collapse.
Excessive drooling: your dog is doing all they can to cool themselves down, it is important to help them bring down their body temperature.
What to do if your pet is suffering from Heat Exhaustion:
Get your dog out of the heat and someplace cool.
Take your dogs temperature. Normal temperature is 99.5 to 102.5.
Allow your dog to drink as much cold water as they need but don’t force them to intake water.
Slowly cool your dog off by wiping them down with a cool wet towel. Don’t wrap or drape the towel over your dog as this will trap the heat. Wet them down using a gentle hose. DO NOT submerge your dog in cold water all at once, this may cause shock.
Use a cotton ball and a small amount of rubbing alcohol to wipe the pads of your dog's paws. This will draw some of the heat out.
Get your dog to the vet.
The most important thing to know about treating your dog for heat exhaustion is even if you have successfully reduced your dog's body temperature, they still need to be treated by their vet as soon as possible. Many consequences of heat exhaustion won’t show up for hours or even days. Left untreated this can be fatal.
Using a professional dog walker and pet sitter keeps your pet on their normal routine in the comfort of their own home which means less stress for them and you. We also will get to know your pet's personalities and health conditions and will be quick to notice when something could be wrong.
Pet Waggin’ has been providing professional loving care for pets in Long Beach, Ca since 2006. As professional pet sitters, you can count on us to take the best possible care of your pet, even on the hottest of days.