WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA/Vet Medicine)--Dogs regulate their temperatire primarily through panting. On hot, humit days it is harder for them to cool their bodies.
Heat stroke occurs when your dog is no longer able to maintain his normal body temperature of approximately 101F and it rises to 105F or more.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke
Excessive panting
Disorientation and dizziness
Pale or bright red gums
Bright red tongue
Increased heart rate
Thick saliva
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Collapsing
Muscle tremors
Depression
Treatment
Make sure your pet is out of the sun and has access to water but don't let him drink too much.
Cool him with cool, tepid water either immerse him in a bath, gently hose him or apply cool towels to his body. Do NOT leave wet towels on your dog and do not use very cold water.
Move your dog to an area where there is cool air circulating, such as an air conditioned room or in front of a fan. The cool circulating air will help your dog to reduce his temperature.
Keep monitoring your dog's temperature with a rectal thermometer; once it returns to normal stop the cooling process.
Phone your local emergency dog clinic immediately and explain the situation and perform any additional treatment they suggest before taking him to the clinic.
Even if you manage to reduce your dog's temperature at home, take him to your vet for a thorough checkup. Internal damage to your dog's organs.
Preventing Heat Stroke
Never leave your dog or cat in car or other enclosed area
Be aware that the outside temperature can be a lot warmer than that shown on your thermometer. On humid days the relative temperature is much higher.
Dogs really don't know when to stop - try and keep your dog's activity to a minimum particularly on hot and humid days.
Exercise your dog early in the morning and/or later in the evening when the temperature is cooler.
If possible keep your dog indoors during the heat of the day in a well ventilated or air conditioned room.
If your dog is outside during the day, make sure there is plenty of shady areas for him to lie in and he has access to cold water. If he likes water, put a paddling pool of water for him in a shady part of the garden so he can lie in that to keep cool, otherwise periodically spray him with cool water.
Make sure you pet has plenty of fresh, clean drinking water both inside and outside the house.
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