06/11/2025
Temperatures are getting hot this week and will only continue to rise! 🔥 We wanted to share some informational tidbits on heatstroke to help prevent it from happening to your pet.
How does a heatstroke happen?
Because dogs only “sweat” through their paw pads, they are more prone to developing heatstroke when overexposed to heat. This is a life-threatening condition. It is important that during times of high temperature, walks, play time and anything else that require your pet being outside for longer amounts of time happen in the early morning or evening when it is cool.
What are the symptoms to look out for?
Excessive panting, increased salivation, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, collapsing.
Brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs, Shih Tzu, etc. have a shortened airway and when they are exposed to high temperatures, they are unable to cool down properly which makes them more susceptible.
If your pet develops clinical signs of heatstroke, begin misting or cooling with COOL water, not ice water, turn on a fan or the air conditioner in your car with your windows down and get to your nearest veterinary clinic ASAP!
As a preventative measure, always make sure your pet has constant access to a cold bowl of water and time walks and playtime around the temperature each day!
