Communities

Stay Cool Pup!

Keep your dog safe in the warm weather and follow these simple rules to protect your dog from the devestating effects of heat.

Main Pets Page

CANINE HEAT STROKE

Information provided by Liberty Veterinary Hospital

Dogs that are especially at risk:

• Black or dark-colored dogs
• Dogs who are overweight
• Dogs who have heart disease
• Dogs who have a double hair coat
• Dogs who have lung disease
• Older dogs
• Dogs with "pug" noses - Boxer, Pug, Boston Terrier, etc.

***NOTE: Dogs who have been shaved or that have lighter hair coats can also get sunburned - use a sunscreen approved for children.

Signs:

• Excessive panting
• Brick-red gums and tongue
• Weakness, loss of coordination, collapse

What to do:

• Find shade and a breeze from wind or fan
• Wet them down
• Limit water intake - just enough to keep their tongue wet
• Ice their paws, neck, groin
• Go to your veterinarian or pet hospital, so a vet or pet technician can take the temperature, give I.V. fluids, listen to their heart, and use other methods to cool them down.

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG UNATTENDED IN A CAR AT ANY TIME!