Just a reminder that pets can get heat stroke very quickly in this incredible heat we have been experiencing. Unlike people, dogs don’t sweat out excess body heat. While your dog does have a few sweat glands located in his paws, these do little to help regulate his body temperature. Instead, he or she does this through rapid, open-mouthed breathing, called panting. But sometimes panting isn’t enough to keep him or her from getting overheated. Heat exhaustion in dogs can occur when the body temperature becomes elevated above the normal temperature. This varies slightly, but it’s generally agreed that temperatures of 103 degrees Fahrenheit and higher are above normal. If the temperature continues to rise and reaches 106 or higher, your pup is in the danger zone for heat stroke, during which the organs begin to shut down and his heart could stop altogether. While all dogs are at risk for overheating if the conditions are right, some breeds are more prone to it than others. This includes dogs with thick coats or long hair, very young or very old dogs, and brachycephalic breeds—those with short noses and flat faces, such as shih tzus, pugs, boxers, and bulldogs. Overweight dogs and those that suffer from medical conditions that cause difficulty breathing or heart problems are especially susceptible. If you pet experiences any of these symptoms please call us immediately.
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