Australia can experience extreme summer heat, which can be dangerous to your pet dog if you do not take the proper precautions. Heat is dangerous to dogs because they do not sweat in the same way as humans. Humans will sweat from the entire surface of their body, but a dog can only sweat from the pads on their paws. This means that dogs face a much higher risk of heat stroke when temperatures are high. Below is a guide to everything you need to know about heat stroke.
The signs of heat stroke
There are several signs that a dog is suffering from heat stroke, such as:
- Extreme thirst
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Panting
Heat stroke is a medical emergency for your dog. If you suspect that your dog has heat stroke, you should contact a vet immediately. If you do not, heat stroke could result in a fatal outcome for your pet. There are several steps you can take to reduce the chance that your dog will develop heat stroke. Below is a guide to the steps you should take to combat heat stroke.
Keep your dog in the shade
If you take your dog outside on a hot summers day, you should ensure that they have access to plenty of shade so they are sheltered from the heat of the sun. The reduced exposure to solar radiation will help your dog to stay cool.
Avoid paving and asphalt
When walking your dog, you should avoid paved or asphalted areas. Paving and asphalt can become really hot, and this heat will be transferred to your dog, increasing the risk of sunstroke. On exceptionally hot days, paving and asphalt can cause burns to the bottom of your dog's feet. You should try to walk your dog on grass and dirt areas which do not absorb as much heat from the sun. If you must walk your dog on paving or asphalt, you should do so in the early morning or late evening when they are cooler.
Do not leave your dog in an unattended vehicle
Even on days when it doesn't feel very warm, your car windows can have a greenhouse effect, causing the interior of your car to become very warm. Even if you leave the windows down, the temperature of a vehicle left in the sun can soon reach a level which is dangerous for your dog. You should never leave your dog in an unattended vehicle.
If you would like to find out more about how you can protect your dog from sun stroke, you should contact a vet near you.
