As we are in the peak of summer and heat, it’s important to remember to be wary of our dog’s wellbeing. Many dogs become overheated easily to the point that they could potentially faint, develop health issues, or find themselves in serious danger. .
Dogs get rid of heat in the form of panting since they do not have as many active sweat glands as humans do. However, panting isn’t always enough to keep your dog cool when struggling with excess heat. This can be especially problematic in Florida, where the humidity makes it harder for pets to sweat efficiently.
If the heat becomes too unbearable, your dog may start to show signs of heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is of serious concern, and caused when your dog’s temperature starts to rise above 103 degrees. Signs that your dog may be facing heat exhaustion include:
It is incredibly crucial to look out for these signs during these hot months as you may be putting your dog at serious risk if these issues are not addressed. Many symptoms could seem like no big deal at first, but it's better to be cautious than to put your dog in harm’s way.
Any and all dogs can be susceptible to heat exhaustion. It is especially common in hair dogs (because of their excess heat) and dogs with short noises that have a harder time panting to cool down. That is why the dog breeds most at risk include:
Yet even if your dog was bred for hot weather, it is still at risk of heat exhaustion in some of these summer temperatures.
As soon as you recognize your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, it is important to act swiftly to try to combat these feelings. This can be accomplished in five different ways:
It is incredibly important to take action when your dog shows any signs of heat exhaustion. Limit your dog’s outdoor activities during these hot months and avoid taking them outside during the times of day at peak temperature.