How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Dogs

Trim but do not shave their coat., Leave a water bowl outside., Give dogs plenty of shade., Avoid tethering your dog outside for long periods of time., Cool down the dog if they exhibit signs of heatstroke.

5 Steps 2 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Trim but do not shave their coat.

    Dogs’ fur is designed not only to keep them warm but to protect their skin from the sun.

    Some breeds have heavier coats than others, and you may want to take them to a dog groomer to have their coat trimmed for the summer months.

    That said, do not shave your dog, or you may leave them at risk for sunburn and overheating., If you have a backyard where your dog runs free, you should leave out a full bowl of water when they are running around in the heat.

    Refill this bowl every time your dog goes outside to make sure that it is cool and fresh. , Dogs will need shady areas to rest while they are outside so that they do not overheat.

    If you have a backyard, you might want to provide your dog with an area of shade, either by giving them a dog house, an umbrella, or by planting trees.

    If you are planning on taking your dog to the beach, be aware that there might not be much shade available.

    Sand can also become hot, burning your dog’s paws., Some dogs are kept outside tied to a tree or post.

    Others might wait outside while their owner goes into a shop.

    Either way, in the summertime, it is inadvisable to leave your dog tethered for more than fifteen minutes.

    If you need to go shopping, leave the dog at home., Symptoms of heat stroke include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, loss of energy, drooling, and any obvious weakness or stumbling.If your dog is starting to show these signs, you can hose them down with cool (but not cold) water.

    If you do not have a hose, you can put your dog in the shower.

    As you do this, check the dog’s rectal temperature every 30-60 seconds until the temperature is down to
    103.5°F /
    39.8°C.

    The goal is to slowly bring the dog’s temperature down.

    You should have the dog checked out by a veterinarian.You can also soak rags or wash cloths in cool water.

    Place these inside of the dog’s thighs.

    Do not use cold water, ice packs, or iced water.

    These can actually prevent the dog from cooling down.If you do not have a thermometer or cool water available to you, go directly to the vet.
  2. Step 2: Leave a water bowl outside.

  3. Step 3: Give dogs plenty of shade.

  4. Step 4: Avoid tethering your dog outside for long periods of time.

  5. Step 5: Cool down the dog if they exhibit signs of heatstroke.

Detailed Guide

Dogs’ fur is designed not only to keep them warm but to protect their skin from the sun.

Some breeds have heavier coats than others, and you may want to take them to a dog groomer to have their coat trimmed for the summer months.

That said, do not shave your dog, or you may leave them at risk for sunburn and overheating., If you have a backyard where your dog runs free, you should leave out a full bowl of water when they are running around in the heat.

Refill this bowl every time your dog goes outside to make sure that it is cool and fresh. , Dogs will need shady areas to rest while they are outside so that they do not overheat.

If you have a backyard, you might want to provide your dog with an area of shade, either by giving them a dog house, an umbrella, or by planting trees.

If you are planning on taking your dog to the beach, be aware that there might not be much shade available.

Sand can also become hot, burning your dog’s paws., Some dogs are kept outside tied to a tree or post.

Others might wait outside while their owner goes into a shop.

Either way, in the summertime, it is inadvisable to leave your dog tethered for more than fifteen minutes.

If you need to go shopping, leave the dog at home., Symptoms of heat stroke include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, loss of energy, drooling, and any obvious weakness or stumbling.If your dog is starting to show these signs, you can hose them down with cool (but not cold) water.

If you do not have a hose, you can put your dog in the shower.

As you do this, check the dog’s rectal temperature every 30-60 seconds until the temperature is down to
103.5°F /
39.8°C.

The goal is to slowly bring the dog’s temperature down.

You should have the dog checked out by a veterinarian.You can also soak rags or wash cloths in cool water.

Place these inside of the dog’s thighs.

Do not use cold water, ice packs, or iced water.

These can actually prevent the dog from cooling down.If you do not have a thermometer or cool water available to you, go directly to the vet.

About the Author

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Abigail Vasquez

Enthusiastic about teaching hobbies techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.

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