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Hi Reader,

I live in Europe and while we had a few rainy days recently, in general, the summer heat is in full swing.

With those high daily temperatures, it's crucial to keep a watchful eye on your furry friend and ensure his well-being during the sweltering summer months.

Heatstroke is a serious concern for dogs, and understanding how to prevent and respond to it can make all the difference in keeping your pet safe.

However, not many people know what to do if their dog suffers from a heatstroke. So if you are one of those people who take their pups everywhere, even in the summer heat, this newsletter is for you ☺️

Recognizing the signs:

Heatstroke occurs when a dog's body temperature rises to dangerous levels, often due to excessive heat and inadequate cooling mechanisms.

If left untreated, the condition can quickly escalate and lead to death (think about the regular yearly news about kids and dogs left in cars 😟).

Even in mild cases, early recognition of heatstroke symptoms is vital.

Signs of heatstroke requiring immediate intervention:

• thick saliva
• unsteadiness and staggering
• dark urine
• lethargy
• difficulty breathing
• vomiting and/or diarrhea
• bright red tongue and gums, which turn blue-grey as shock sets in
• loss of consciousness
• seizures
• coordination difficulties

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Signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion:

• seeking shade
• restlessness
• choosing to lie down
• disinterest
• panting
• sunken eyes
• lack of skin elasticity
• dry gums and mouth,
• dry nose

If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, swift action is crucial. Heat stroke can (and sadly often does) lead to death due to organ failure. If a dog is showing one or more of these signs, he needs help and he needs it fast. So what can you do?

How to help a dog suffering from heatstroke:

Move the dog to a shaded area or indoors immediately.

Begin by wrapping a wet towel around your dog's paws and legs (not around his body as this can trap heat!). Alternatively, you can wet his fur with cool (not cold!) water. This way his body temperature will lower gradually. Lowering the body temperature gradually is crucial. You cannot dump cold water over the poor pup, but more on this later.

Offer small sips of water, as forcing your dog to drink may cause further distress. He shouldn't drink larger amounts even when he's willing to, as this may cause vomiting. Frequent small sips are fine.

Employing a fan or air conditioning to create a cooling (but not cold!) environment is also beneficial.

If you haven't done it before, contact a veterinarian, as heatstroke can have severe repercussions and your dog might need to be rushed to a veterinary hospital.

Monitor your dog's temperature and watch for signs of improvement (or worsening of his condition).

It's always a good idea to call your vet and follow his specific instructions. This way you can ensure the best possible outcome without inadvertently causing harm. And your vet will have enough time to get ready for an emergency patient.

Important: Never use cold water! Here's why:

Rapidly cooling a dog with heatstroke might seem like a logical response, but please refrain from dumping a bucket of cold water over your pup. Why? Drastically lowering a dog's body temperature can lead to severe complications.

When a dog's temperature drops too rapidly, it can result in shock and vasoconstriction - the blood vessels will constrict and limit blood flow to vital organs (such as the heart and brain). This can rapidly worsen his condition.

Instead, use lukewarm or cool (not cold!) water and ensure proper airflow to ensure a gradual and controlled cooling process.

How to prevent heatstroke:

The best way to deal with heatstroke is to prevent it in the first place. Here are some tips to keep your furry friend cool and comfortable:

• Stay hydrated: Always have fresh water available for your dog, especially during outdoor activities.
• Timing matters: Exercise your dog during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening.
• Never leave your dog in a car: Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes. The temperature can skyrocket within minutes.
• Shade and rest: Provide ample shaded areas and a place for your dog to rest during outdoor playtime.
• Cool playtime: Set up a kiddie pool or sprinkle water in a safe outdoor area for your dog to play in. You can also use cooling mats for him to relax on after play.
• Grooming: Regular grooming helps to keep your dog's coat in good condition and aids in temperature regulation.

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I hope now you know what to do if your pup ever suffers from a heatstroke.

If you want to learn more about how to keep your pup safe during summer, here are 5 important tips for you👇

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5 important summer safety tips for dog owners How to keep your pup safe during summer ​ Read article

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If you want to keep track of your pup's tick treatments, deworming, and vaccinations, here's a printable Pet planner you can use ☺️

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Printable Pet Planner for Busy Dog Owners This easy-to-use printable pet planner helps dog owners keep track of their pup's health and appointments ​without getting overwhelmed VIEW IN SHOP

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So that's it from me for now.

Have a lovely day! 🤗

Monika

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