Summertime is an exciting time for you and your furry friend. The warm weather gives you more time to take your dog out into the sunshine and enjoy each other’s company. However, unlike humans, it is hard to see when your dog is overheated and needs a break.
One prominent sign is when a dog pants, but it can be an inefficient sign since this is a common habit. It is essential to be aware of when your dog is too hot because it can give them a heat stroke or be life-threatening.
How To Tell If Your Dog Is Too Hot
For any pet parent, keeping your dog protected from the effects of hot temperatures is a main concern. Our dogs don’t sweat out body heat, so it can be easy for them to overheat. Let’s take
a look at five significant signs of an overheated dog.
Rapid Breathing
If your dog’s excessive panting turns into deep and noisy breathing, this can be a sign they are trying to get more oxygen. This is a sign of heat exhaustion, and it’s best to get them into an air-conditioned space or give them cold water as soon as possible.
Trouble Walking
When a dog is too hot, they can start showing signs of disorientation. They will begin having trouble walking, stumbling, or even bumping into things in their direct line of vision.
Abnormal Heartbeat
If you have been in the hot summer sun for a while with your dog and they begin to seem overheated, check their heartbeat. If your dog has no prior heart issues, but their heart rate is beating rapidly, this is a sign that they need to get to cooler air.
Excessive Panting
Excessive panting can be identified by noticing when a dog constantly leaves their tongue hanging out for long periods of time. While panting is a typical trait of a dog, it is when it is too much that you can tell your dog is too hot. If you are going on a normal walk, but your dog is panting like they just were on a long run, this is a sign of overheating. Although similar to rapid breathing, excessive panting typically precedes a rapid breathing incident.
Fainting
If your dog collapses, this is a significant sign that you have an overheated dog. This is an extreme situation that can also be caused by distress from their body heat. If this occurs to your pet, make sure you take them to the nearest emergency vet ASAP.
Prevent Overheating
No one wants their dog to be too hot to the point where they are uncomfortable. Here are some preventative measures you can take to ensure the safety of your furry friend:
- Never leave your dog unattended in a hot car.
- Make sure your dog drinks water throughout the day, especially before and after going for a walk.
- If you are going to be outside for a long time, make sure there is a cooler area your dog can relax in if needed.
- Keep your home cool on hot and humid days even when you aren’t there.
If you are scared about leaving your dog alone on a hot day, the Purrfect Pooches Pet Sitters can give you peace of mind that your dog will be taken care of until you come back!
Who Else But Pooch Care Plus!
Pooch Care Plus has been serving the region with professional and friendly dog care for years for all your essential dog care needs! From pet sitting to dog grooming in Philadelphia, PA, and the surrounding areas, you can guarantee your best friend is taken care of just like you would. Contact us today to learn more about our services.