How to treat heat in dogs? - briefly
To treat heat exhaustion in dogs, ensure they are in a cool environment and provide plenty of water to rehydrate them. Monitor their temperature and seek veterinary care if it exceeds 103°F (39.4°C) or if symptoms persist.
How to treat heat in dogs? - in detail
Treating heat exhaustion in dogs requires prompt action and careful monitoring. Heat exhaustion is a serious condition that can lead to heatstroke if not addressed quickly. Here are some steps you can take to help your dog recover from heat exhaustion:
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Move Your Dog to a Cooler Environment: If possible, move your dog indoors or to a shaded area. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or on hot surfaces like asphalt.
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Lower Body Temperature Gradually: Do not attempt to cool your dog down too quickly, as this can cause shock. Instead, gradually lower their body temperature by wetting their fur with lukewarm water (not cold). You can use a hose, a spray bottle, or soak towels in lukewarm water and place them on your dog's neck, belly, and inside the legs.
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Encourage Hydration: Offer your dog small amounts of cool water to drink. Do not force your dog to drink, as this could lead to vomiting or inhaling water into the lungs. If your dog is unwilling to drink, you can offer them ice cubes to lick.
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Monitor for Signs of Improvement: Keep a close eye on your dog's breathing and heart rate. As their body temperature lowers, these should start to return to normal. A normal resting heart rate for dogs is between 60 and 120 beats per minute. If you have a rectal thermometer, you can check your dog's temperature every five minutes. Normal body temperature for dogs ranges from 100°F to 103°F (37.8°C to 39.4°C).
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Do Not Overcool: Be careful not to cool your dog down too much, as this can cause hypothermia. Once your dog's temperature reaches the lower end of the normal range (around 100°F or 37.8°C), stop the cooling process and allow their body to maintain that temperature naturally.
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Seek Veterinary Care: Even if your dog appears to be recovering, it is crucial to take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Heat exhaustion can cause internal damage that may not be immediately apparent. Your vet can provide additional treatment and monitoring to ensure your dog's full recovery.
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Prevent Future Incidents: Once your dog has recovered, take steps to prevent heat exhaustion in the future. This includes providing plenty of water, ensuring access to shade, avoiding exercise during the hottest part of the day, and being cautious with breeds that are more susceptible to overheating, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and other short-nosed breeds.