Ah, the summer sun… There’s nothing like feeling the warm breeze on your face as you stick your head out the car window, the hot sizzle of scorching cement sidewalks on your paws, and furiously panting to cool yourself down – wait, what?
While the summer sun signals rest, relaxation, and evening sundowners for you, it might not mean the same for your pup, especially if they’re old or furry…
Is my dog too hot?
Luckily, it’s not difficult to spot the signs of overheating in your dog. Even better – if you catch and address it quickly, your pup should be completely fine (but you probably still want to take them to the vet).
Here are the warning signs to look out for:
What do to if you think your dog has heatstroke
Your first instinct might be to cool them down as fast as possible, but you want to avoid shock by cooling them too quickly. Stay calm and take these steps:
The most at-risk dogs
You might think the highest risk dogs are furry ones, but brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs like English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers and Shih Tzus are actually the most likely to overheat.
Here are some more factors that put your dog at heightened risk:
This summer, keep your pooch cool with the best in care. Get a free online quote in under 3 minutes for cover that starts at less than R3 per day with dotsure.co.za. With plans that suit every need and budget, you can’t afford not to get covered.
• https://theconversation.com/nine-dog-breeds-at-higher-risk-of-heatstroke-and-what-you-can-do-to-prevent-it-139501#:~:text=Most%20of%20the%20breeds%20at,to%20breathe%2C%20even%20at%20rest.
• https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/healthcare/heat-exhaustion-in-dogs
• https://www.rover.com/blog/hot-weather-dogs/
• https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-care-advice/summer-dog-care#:~:text=If%20you%20think%20your%20dog,they%20may%20go%20into%20shock
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