How do I tell if my dog is getting heat stroke?
Adolphus Kulas
2025-10-10 05:53:12
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: 22
To determine if your dog is getting heat stroke, look for the clinical signs of the three stages of Heat Related Illness. The first stage, heat stress, is characterized by less animated behavior, visibly tired or moving at a slower pace, changes in the dog’s focus or readiness, change in attitude, excessive panting, pasty saliva in the mouth, increased thirst, feels overly warm to the touch, tongue excessively protruding out with a flattened end, cheeks pulled back revealing the full arcade of the teeth including the molars, brick red mucous membranes, and heat cramps or muscle spasms. The second stage, heat exhaustion, includes any of the signs from Stage 1 plus additional signs such as weakness or stumbling, mentally aware but too tired to react, excessive panting becomes uncontrollable, significant thirst, sunken, dry eyes, dry mouth, gums and nose, vomit or diarrhea, lack of skin elasticity, and muscle tremors. If you notice any of these signs, take a break from the activity at hand, sit in a shady area with a cool breeze, and provide your dog with lots of water. Apply cool water to his paw pads and underbelly, and dab rubbing alcohol-soaked pads to the pinnae of the ears, in his armpits, and in the groin area. Get your dog to the nearest vet immediately if you notice the signs of heat exhaustion. Before heading to the vet, place a cool, wet towel on the bottom of his kennel and apply cool water to his paw pads and underbelly.
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