Palisades Veterinary Clinic
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Beat the Heat - Preventing Heat Stroke
Dogs are much more susceptible to heat stroke than humans. One reason for this is your dog's fur coat. Additionally, dogs have sweat glands on their feet, but they do not have them on the rest of their body. They rely on panting, a method of breathing out excess heat, to cool down their bodies. This method is not as affective as sweating.
Some breeds are much more susceptible to the heat than others. Dogs with thick, double-coats have a harder time, and brachycephalic breed dogs (those with narrowed nasal passages and pushed back faces, such as Bulldogs, Pugs and Boxers), have smaller airways, and therefore are less effective at getting fresh air in or blowing out hot air. Regardless of your dog's breed, NEVER leave your dog in a parked car on warm days -- even on 70 degree days, with the windows cracked, the temperature inside the car in the sun reaches 100 degrees within a few minutes! Cars parked in the shade can still quickly become too hot for dogs to be safe inside. Besides cars, exercise in the heat (especially if the pet is older, or out of shape) can lead to heat stroke. Do not encourage your pet to exercise on hot days. Symptoms of heat stroke include collapse, gasping for air, seizures, salivation then dry gums, bright red gums and eyes, glassy eyes, anxious expression, petechiae (pinpoint, deep-red hemorrhages on gums/ skin), refusal to obey commands, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, try to reduce his body temperature as quickly as possible, then get him to your veterinarian or emergency clinic as quickly as possible. Ways to reduce body temperature are ice water baths, standing in cold water, hosing down with cool water, and standing your pet directly in front of an air conditioner. Canine Influenza Vaccination now available! Microchipping is easy and inexpensive. No appointment necessary! for flea/tick/heartworm/parasite preventatives EVERY DAY. Just ask! Online pharmacies source their medications from third party buyers and do not guarantee efficacy or safety. Don't risk your pets' welfare; get your medications from us, knowing they are effective and direct from the manufacturer. As always, we appreciate your business -- thank you for your patronage!
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