[b]Dogs do not sweat through their skin like humans, they release heat primarily by panting and they sweat through the foot pads and nose. If a dog cannot effectively expel heat, internal body temperature begins to rise. Unfortunately, too many dogs succumb to heat stroke when it could easily be avoided.

The following signs indicate heat stroke in a dog:

Increased rectal temperature (over 104 requires action, over 106 is a dire emergency)

Vigorous panting

Dark red gums

Tacky or dry mucus membranes (specifically the gums)

Lying down and unwilling (or unable) to get up

Collapse and/or loss of consciousness

Thick saliva

Dizziness or disorientation

What to do if you suspect heatstroke

If you have even the slightest suspicion that your dog may be suffering from heatstroke, you must take action straight away

1.First move your dog out of the heat, and away from the sun.

2. Begin cooling your dog by placing cool, wet rags on the body, especially foot pads and around the head.

3. DO NOT use ice or very cold water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body's core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. In addition, over cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of other problems. When body temperature reaches 103, stop cooling.

4. Offer your dog cool water, but don't force water into your dogs mouth.

5. Call or visit your vet right away, even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so a check up will be needed.

Preventing heat stroke

Never leave your dog alone in a car on a warm day, regardless of whether the windows are open. ven if the weather outside is not extreme hot, the inside of the car acts like an oven. Temperatures of cars can reach dangerously high levels in a matter of minutes.

Keep fresh cool water available at all times.

Certain breeds of dogs are more sensitive to heat,like obese dogs and brachycephalic (short nosed) dogs,like pugs and bull breeds.
Use extreme caution when these dogs are exposed to heat.

some dogs can recover fully from heat stroke,if caught early enough.Sadly,many dogs do not survive.
Prevention is the key to keeping your dog safe.

[/b]

Excellent post Hilary

Im giving you some rep

Thanks.

great post thanks

One thing I give my dogs in this weather is a drink called Pow Wow...its a rehydration drink and you can also give it to a bitch if she is expecting (worked wonders when Lucy was having puppies) I get it from Kennelgate but they are only in Derby....no doubt you can buy similar....also dogs with white fur need a bit more protection from the sun.....

Thanks for the post Hilary.....times like this we all need reminding about our dogs/pets

great post hilary :san50:

ive used that rehydration drink for dogs too marie its good stuff

on sunday, there were several tannoy announcemounts about a boxer dog in a car with no water and no ventilation, all the stewards radios were crackling about it too, the dog was very agitated and they were very concerned... i didnt find out what happened, but from the just of it, i expect they broke into the car....

the temperature was around 30 degrees that day, there are some dumb f**ks about

Great post Hilary. I hate it when we have been at a show and you hear people being called over the loud speaker to return to their dogs in cars