All the things I wish I knew before I got my first ever puppy!
You really do not want a hot dog...Unless it's of the food variety!
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Personally, I love hot weather, I would lay out in the sun all day everyday if I could, but if you put me in a full length fur jacket, I'd probably change my mind! Add into the equation that the only way to release heat is through your hands and feet and through panting, and I don't think any human would want to spend time in the heat.
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Aside from it just been damn right uncomfortable for them, dogs can actually suffer fatal heatstroke within minutes- which is why dogs been left in hot cars is a massive NO.
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Dogs unfortunately can't sweat like humans do, they have to rely on releasing heat through their paw pads and nose and also panting to try and regulate their body temperature.
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Its so important to monitor your dog in the heat as once they start to show signs of heatstroke, the damage is often already done.
TEMPERATURE GUIDE
According to Vets...
12-15°C
No evidence of heatstroke
16-19°C
Generally safe to exercise dogs, but keep an eye on large, obese and fat-faced breeds.
20-23°C
Starting to get risky. If dogs are exercised too hard or suffer from an underlying health condition they could be at risk.
24-27°C
Extreme caution should be taken with all dogs, even more so for large, obese, flat faced dogs or puppy's.
28-31°C
Dangerous for all dogs, but for larger breeds and puppies as well as flat faced and obese breeds, this could be life threatening.
32°C +
Major risk for ALL breeds regardless of age, weight, breed or size.
SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE
Unlike humans, who can generally shake off heat stroke with some after sun and time in the cool, it is a serious life threatening condition for dogs and can damage their internal organs to the point where they stop functioning. If you suspect your dog has signs of heat stroke, speak to your vet ASAP!
PANTING
EXCESS DROOLING
RESTLESSNESS
INCREASED HEART RATE
VERY RED OR PALE GUMS
BREATHING DISTRESS
BRIGHT RED TONGUE
VOMITING/DIARRHEA
MENTAL CONFUSION
WEAKNESS
DIZZINESS
MUSCLE TREMORS
SEIZURES
NO URINE PRODUCTION
COLLAPSING & LYING DOWN
COMA
If you are in any doubt ring your vet, it's better safe that sorry! If you're with a decent vet they won't mind giving you advice. I have been very lucky with my vet's, even with all the covid craziness they are always happy to offer advice over the phone. Another local vet is currently charging people £35 for a phone consultation...and then if your pet does need to be admitted, they were charging the appointment on top of that! Needless to say that they've lost a few customers recently!
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I recently took an online dog first aid course to try and get a better idea of what to look out for and how to treat any symptoms.
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If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heatstroke, it is suggested that you follow the following steps...
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In the mean time though check out the article below featuring all different ways to help keep your dogs cool in warm weather.
In the mean time, if you do suspect that your dog has heatstroke, follow the following steps while waiting to see a vet...
Remove your pet from the heat immediately.
Put tepid/cool water over your dogs fur and skin.
If you have one, put a fan directly onto your dog for maximum heat loss.
DO NOT use ice cold water, this does more harm than good.
