Keep an eye out on your Dog this Summer!
While our dogs may love basking in the sunshine with us, this time of year means we need to take extra precautions to prevent them from heatstroke or heat exhaustion. This is especially true for flat-faced breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus.
None of us like to see our pets suffering from the heat. So, when summer temperatures rise, we need to be sure to provide them with easy ways to stay cool.
Signs that your dog is overheated include:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Weakness
- Disorientation
- Gums and/or tongue change color (to a bright red or bluish)
When a dog’s body temperature becomes elevated, exceeding 106°F, it’s termed a heat stroke since it is due to excessive heat from the environment or external source. When a dog’s body temperature reaches around 107° F, multiple organs begin to fail, and death can occur. Naturally, we all want to avoid this horrible situation.
As a reminder — NEVER leave your dog alone in a hot car. It can be fatal. Even if you are parked in the shade and have the windows down, it can still be too hot for your dog. They can become distressed and uncomfortable very fast.
