Overheating in dogs
As summer approaches, it is important to know how to keep our loyal four-legged friends cool. Overheating in dogs can lead to serious health problems and even death. Overheating in dogs, also known as heatstroke, occurs when a dog’s body is unable to release heat, making it impossible to regulate its body temperature. Some dogs tolerate heat better than others. This depends, for example, on the breed and the thickness and color of the coat. Dogs with dark coats can often tolerate heat less well than dogs with lighter coats; dogs with short snouts can also often tolerate heat less well than dogs with longer snouts.
How overheating develops in dogs
Overheating in dogs occurs when a dog’s body is unable to release heat in order to regulate its body temperature. This can happen when dogs are exposed to high temperatures and/or high humidity, such as during a heatwave. However, a dog can also overheat due to excessive physical activity, such as during a walk or exercise in warm conditions. Dogs have more difficulty getting rid of heat than humans do. Dogs do not have sweat glands and can only sweat through their tongues and paw pads. They therefore try to lose heat by panting heavily. The fact that dogs cannot really sweat is not the only factor that increases the risk of overheating; the following factors can also increase the risk of overheating:
- Age: older dogs often have less efficient cooling mechanisms than younger dogs
- Overweight: excess weight can hinder a dog’s ability to cool down
- Brachycephalic breeds: dogs with short snouts, such as bulldogs or boxers, often have difficulty breathing and can overheat more quickly
- Certain medical conditions: some conditions, such as heart and lung problems, can hinder a dog’s ability to cool down.
Symptoms of overheating in dogs
Overheating can occur extremely quickly in dogs. It is important to take immediate action if a dog shows one or more of the following symptoms:
- Excessive panting
- Feeling hot / elevated temperature
- Drooling
- Confusion / Loss of coordination
- Collapsing
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Shock or unconsciousness
How can you recognize a life-threatening situation when a dog is overheated?
The situation can quickly become life-threatening if we do not act quickly when a dog is overheated. A dog affected by overheating can often be recognized by a blue tongue (on the underside and sides) and a lethargic or limp body. The dog is then in heat shock. If symptoms of heat shock occur, it is extremely important to move the dog to a cool place immediately and then begin cooling it down. It is important to cool the dog gradually and evenly, so do not do this too quickly. Do not pour buckets of ice-cold water over the dog; instead, for example, place a wet cloth over the dog and keep wetting it so that it stays cool. If a dog remains in shock for too long, it may die. If you suspect that a dog is suffering from overheating and is in shock, contact a veterinarian immediately!
Preventing overheating in dogs
Prevention is always better than cure. There are therefore a number of measures you can take to reduce the risk of overheating in your loyal four-legged friend:
- Provide plenty of shade and water: When your dog is outside, it is important to ensure that sufficient shade and water are available. Provide a shady spot in the garden or choose a walk in a wooded area where the dog can cool down. Make sure the dog always has access to fresh water.
- Limit physical activity: When temperatures are high, it is better to limit your dog’s physical activity. Schedule walks or exercise in the morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler.
- NEVER leave your dog alone in the car: It is absolutely essential never to leave a dog alone in a car, even with the windows open. The temperature inside a car can rise extremely quickly and can lead to overheating in no time.
- Keep a close eye on your dog during heatwaves: during a heatwave, when temperatures are high, it is important to monitor your dog more closely. Keep the dog in a cool, well-ventilated home and provide plenty of water.
- Avoid trimming the coat: In summer, it is better not to trim your dog’s coat because it provides protection from the sun.
- Swim instead of playing: Do not play energetically with your dog outside when temperatures are high. It is better to take your dog swimming to help keep them cool.
- Do not walk on asphalt or paving: Paving and especially asphalt can become extremely hot in summer. Dog paws cannot withstand these temperatures, and a dog’s paw pads can become seriously burned. On hot days, try to let your dog walk on shaded ground or grass as much as possible.
It is important to remember that overheating can occur quickly in dogs, so it is best to take precautions and watch for the symptoms. By taking the right preventive measures, you can prevent serious health problems or even the death of your dog.
