Help Pets with Heatstroke

Written by Doris Donnerman (last updated February 17, 2009)

In the first aid classes most people end up taking at some point or another in their lives, you learn a variety of different things. You learn what to do for hypothermia, second degree burns, sprained ankles, broken wrists, and blood-spurting flesh wounds. You probably also learned how to deal with the health problems associated with the heat. Things you were taught to worry about were probably heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Believe it or not, dogs can actually suffer from these problems too, heatstroke being the most severe, so here's how to deal with it.

Just like with humans, there are a few telltale signs to look for in dogs to see if they have heatstroke. Heatstroke can come at any time the heat is extreme and you should look for the following symptoms: rapid panting, twitching, barking for no reason, and staring with a crazed look. You also should have a good idea of what kind of behavior is normal for your pet, so you can sense if your pet's behavior is abnormal. If you determine that your pet does have heatstroke, here's what you should do.

You need to take your pet inside, or find some shade if you're outside and unable to take your pet inside. Pour cool water on him every few minutes, but don't try to place him in a tub of water or put ice on him. While the latter option may seem logical initially, this is definitely something your should not do. If you immediately immerse your pet in cold, ice water, you increase its chances of serious damage. If your pet is hot enough to be suffering from heatstroke, by putting it in cold water immediately, you will send it into shock, which can have detrimental effects on the heart and other systems. It's definitely best to sprinkle your pet with cool water, and have it drink cold water. Continue this until the symptoms stop and then keep your pet indoors for a while. If the symptoms come back often, you definitely need to take your pet to the vet.

Even if the heatstroke was a fluke, a one-time occurrence, you should still call your vet and see if there is anything else you should be doing to treat your dog. Also, your vet can tell you if you need to take your pet in for further treatment. Accompanying heatstroke is dehydration, and so you want to make sure that after identifying the heatstroke, that your pet becomes fully hydrated. If you're unsure about anything you're doing, you should definitely take your pet into the vet's.

Author Bio

Doris Donnerman

Doris is a jack of all trades, writing on a variety of topics. Her articles have helped enlighten and entertain thousands over the years. ...

MORE FROM DORIS

Stopping a Dog from Chasing You

While usually comical in the movies, a good dog chase may not be so humorous in real life. If you are caught in a ...

Discover More

Dry Hair and Pregnancy

Many changes come with a pregnancy and some are good, while others...not so much. Here are some great tips for the ...

Discover More

Pruning Shrubs

If you are looking for a great way to promote the general health and welfare of your shrubs, then don't overlook pruning. ...

Discover More
More Pet Tips

Weatherproof Your Dog's Doghouse

If you keep your dog outside, you may have to deal with keeping your dog comfortable with the weather. Take the ...

Discover More

Protect Your Pet from Sunburn

Usually when we think of sunburn, we only think of us getting sunburned, but as a matter of fact, pets can get sunburned ...

Discover More

Dog's Feet in the Summer Heat

Just like your feet, your dog's feet can get really hot in the summer. You need to be careful where you take your dog, ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five more than 3?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)