Heat stroke is dangerous, and it’s important to be vigilant about keeping your dog cool this summer.
While most cases of heat stroke are caused by negligence, in dogs that have a higher risk of heat stroke, it can happen to even the best dog owners. That’s why, in addition to taking preventative measures, it’s also important to know what to do if you think that your dog may have heat stroke:
#1. Put your dog in cool water.
Place your dog in the bathtub and cover his or her body in cool, not cold, water, focusing the most on their neck and the back of their head. If you cannot get your dog in the tub, you could also use a garden hose to cool him or her off.
#2. Give your dog cool water to drink.
Allow your dog to drink as much cool water as he or she wants. You can also add a very small amount of salt to the water. This will help to replace the minerals your dog lost when he or she was panting.
#3. Massage your dog’s legs.
Vigorously massaging your dogs can help to restore normal circulation and reduce his or her risk of going into shock.
#4. Place a cold pack on your dog’s head.
Place a bag of frozen veggies or another cold pack on the back of your dog’s head. This will help to lower his or her body temperature.
These are the immediate steps you should take if you think your dog has heat stroke. Stay tuned for our North Bellmore veterinary clinic’s next blog to learn about the next steps you should take.