How To Keep Your Dogs Cool & Safe During The Intense Summer Heat

Temperatures are expected to be in the triple-digits throughout this week in the Borderland which can be dangerous for your pets. While you can tell when a person is overheating, your dogs can't let you know when their temperature is hitting a danger zone.

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All dogs are susceptible to dehydration, overheating, and heatstroke but there are some breeds that are more likely to suffer from these conditions. Brachycephalic breeds like pugs, English and French bulldogs, Pekinese, Boston terrier, Shih Tzu, Chow Chow, among others are more likely to suffer from those conditions.

Dealing with the summer heat can be deadly for your pet, especially if you don't know the warning signs that your pooch is getting too hot. Knowing the signs will let help let you know when it's time to cool down your dog or take them to the vet for immediate medical care.

When your dog is dehydrated, its body not only loses water but electrolytes and minerals needed. When your dog is overheating, this can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and can even lead to death. To make sure your pet is safe and happy during this summer's heat, here are some symptoms you may want to be on the lookout for.

Dehydration

Sunken eyes
Dry mouth, gums and nose
Poor skin elasticity (check by pulling the skin on your dog's neck. If it doesn't spring back quickly, your dog could be dehydrated.)

If you suspect your dog is dehydrated, immediately take them to the vet. Dehydration in a dog is severe and can be deadly quickly for your pet. Getting treatment fast is crucial to your pet's health.

Overheating

Panting
Disorientation
Fast breathing
Collapsing or convulsing
Bright red or blue gums
Vomiting
Diarrhea

If your dog is suffering from any of these symptoms, you need to get them out of the heat immediately. Run cold water over a towel and wrap the towel around the dog's neck before taking them to a veterinarian. Your vet can figure out how severe the overheating is and take appropriate measures to make sure your dog is okay.

If you want to prevent your dog from suffering from dehydration or overheating, make sure they have access to plenty of water inside and outside. If the dogs are playing outside, make sure they also have access to shade and plenty of relaxing time. Keep a close eye on them while outdoors to make sure they aren't getting too hot. For more information on how to keep your dogs safe in the summer heat, please visit the Canine Health Foundation website.

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To prepare yourself for a potential incident, always keep your vet's phone number handy, along with an after-hours clinic you can call in an emergency. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also has a hotline you can call at (888) 426-4435 for advice.

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Filed Under: animals, dogs, el paso, lisa, local, summer