Port St. Lucie Pet Owners: Signs Of Dog Overheating To Look Out For

 

Florida is no stranger to hot summers, and this attracts people from all around the United States. However, Floridian dog owners will need to keep their dog cool during this hot weather, and it is important that they know the signs of overheating in dogs as well.

 

Overheating in dogs can quickly escalate into a life threatening heat stroke during the hot summer months if dog owners are not careful. Knowing the signs of overheating in dogs and knowing what to do in the event that a dog does overheat can prevent this from occurring and even potentially save a dog’s life.

 

In this article we will be describing all of the most common signs of overheating in dogs that dog owners should look out for. In addition to this, we will also be explaining what dog owners should do if they find out that their dog is overheating in a simple step by step process. Let’s get right into it.

How Hot Can It Get In Port St. Lucie?

Port St. Lucie is a city in Florida that is on the east coast. This part of the world can have very hot summers, and it is not unusual for this part of the United States to reach temperatures between 90 and 100 degrees fahrenheit in the summer. As a result, dog owners living in Port St. Lucie and other parts of Florida will need to do some things to prevent their dog from overheating or becoming dehydrated.

Why Is Overheating So Dangerous For Dogs

Overheating is very dangerous for dogs, and it can become a life threatening situation very quickly. This is especially true if the dog’s temperature is a lot hotter than it shou;d be, causing a heat stroke. Heat stroke is considered to be a medical emergency in dogs. In addition to this, severe dehydration can be a life threatening condition in dogs as well, and this condition usually occurs alongside overheating.

Signs Of Overheating In Dogs To Look Out For

There are some tell-tale signs of overheating in dogs that every dog owner should be aware of, especially dog owners that are living in a warm or hot climate. The signs of overheating and the signs of a heat stroke differ slightly, so we will be including the different symptoms for both of these conditions in dogs.

Signs That You Need To Cool Down Your Dog

The signs are a bit different if your dog is simply starting to get too hot and if heat stroke has begun to set in. Here are some of the signs of overheating in the early stages that dog owners need to be aware of. Recognizing the early signs of overheating can help you get your dog to safety and prevent a heat stroke, which is much more dangerous.

 

• Excessive panting
• Bright red gums and tongue
• Labored breathing
• Excessive drooling

 

If you notice that your dog seems to be acting this way and is feeling too hot, it is important that you get them to a cool area and provide them with some water to drink. We will be breaking down what you should do in cases like this into some simple step by step instructions later on in this video. There are some simple ways that you can prevent overheating and heat stroke in dogs as well.

Signs Of A Dog Heat Stroke (When It Becomes An Emergency)

A heat stroke occurs after overheating has gone on for some time. This can happen more quickly in dogs with very thick coats and brachycephalic breeds as they are not as proficient at cooling themselves down naturally. Similarly, very hot weather puts dogs at a much higher risk of developing a heat stroke than temperate weather does. Here are some of the common signs of a heat stroke in dogs to look out for.

 

• Pale gray or purple gums and tongue
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Thick saliva
• Seizures
• Collapse

 

If your dog is showing signs of a heat stroke then it is crucial that you call your vet and work to cool your dog down under their instructions. This is because heat stroke in dogs is considered to be a life threatening medical emergency that could lead to a dog passing away if left untreated. We will be going over what you should do if your dog has a heat stroke in more detail later on in this article.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Is Overheating

For some minor signs of overheating there are things that you can do to prevent it from getting worse. Here is what dog owners should do if they suspect that their dog is overheating into four easy steps.

Step One: Get To A Cool Area and Give Them Some Water

The very first thing that you should do for a dog if you suspect that they are overheating is to get them to a cool area and give them some water to drink. This will make them more comfortable and make the situation safer as you move on with the next steps. The best possible place to take a dog that is overheating is an air conditioned room. However, a room with a fan going or a shaded area outdoors are good places if an air conditioned room is not available to you.

Step Two: Take Your Dog’s Temperature

The next step is to take your dog’s temperature if you have a pet friendly thermometer. This way you can tell how high your dog’s temperature is and monitor it as you work to cool them down if necessary. The normal body temperature for a dog is between 100 and 102 degrees fahrenheit. (38-39.2 degrees celsius)

Step Three: Splash Cool Water On Your Dog

A great way to work on cooling your dog down is to splash some cool water on your dog’s back and face with your hands or a wet towel. It is important to note that this water should be comfortably cool to the touch and not uncomfortably cold or icy. Splashing water that is too cold will have a dog’s temperature drop too quickly, which can cause further medical concerns. Similarly, submerging a dog in cold water can do this as well and should also be avoided. Periodically checking your dog’s temperature throughout this process is recommended so that you will not accidentally make their body temperature below the normal range.

Step 4: Call Your Vet

The final step is to call your vet, even if your dog seems to be better after following the previous steps. They will be able to tell you what to do next and if your pet is going to be alright. If you are worried about your dog during this time, it may help to call them right after you have completed step one.

 

What Should You Do If Your Dog Is Having A Heat Stroke

If your dog’s overheating is very severe or if you believe that they are having a heat stroke, then you should call your vet immediately for instructions on what to do to save their life. This is because you may need to do things like perform emergency pet CPR and cool them down very carefully. You will also likely need to take the dog to the emergency vet as soon as the veterinarian says that it is ok to do so.