SUMMER TIP: Heatstroke -- All Creatures Are Truly Special, Inc.

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SUMMER TIP: Heatstroke

The stages and what to do!

Posted: May 23rd, 2005 @ 12:30am

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Never leave your dog or cat in your car on a hot day.

Heatstroke can be the serious and often fatal result of a dog?s prolonged exposure to excessive heat.

Below are the signs of heatstroke and the actions you should take if your dog is overcome.

Early Stages:

? Heavy panting.
? Rapid breathing.
? Excessive drooling.
? Bright red gums and tongue.
? Standing 4-square, posting or spreading out in an attempt to maintain balance.

Advanced Stages:

? White or blue gums.
? Lethargy, unwillingness to move.
? Uncontrollable urination or defecation.
? Labored, noisy breathing.
? Shock.

If your dog begins to exhibit signs of heatstroke, you should immediately try to cool the dog down:

? Apply rubbing alcohol to the dog?s paw pads.
? Apply ice packs to the groin area.
? Hose down with water.
? Allow the dog to lick ice chips or drink a small amount of water.
? Offer Pedialyte to restore electrolytes. Check with your veterinarian before you give this to your pet.

Check your dog?s temperature regularly during this process. Once the dog?s temperature has stabilized at between 100 to 102 degrees, you can stop the cool-down process. If you cannot get the dog cooled down and you begin to see signs of advanced heatstroke, take the dog to the veterinarian immediately.

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