Brachycephalic Dogs and Overheating with Nicole Brown Packin from Miami Pet Concierge

Brachycephalic Dogs and Overheating with Nicole Brown Packin from Miami Pet Concierge – Critter Chat Episode 3 // Do you ever wonder how hot is too hot for your dog? Or do you know what to do if your dog is overheating? Today we are going to be talking about everything you need to know about the heat and what you should be doing to keep your pets safe.

How to prevent heat stroke

Heat stroke is an emergency, with the potential for serious illness and death. The best approach is to prevent heat stroke by taking some simple steps.

• Avoid activities, such as those listed above, that are linked to dogs getting overheated.
• Never exercise your pet in the full heat of the day in summertime: instead take your dog for walks in the early morning or evening.
• Provide fresh water for your pet at all times, taking a portable water supply on walks with you during the summer months.
• If you notice your pet panting more than normal, move them into a cooler, shady area: even if they seem happy lying in full sunlight.
• Dogs with long, dense coats may benefit from having their fur clipped short
• Give less food in hot weather, and feed in the early morning or evening (the process of digestion can generate a surprising amount of body heat.)

How to treat a dog with heat stroke

It can be difficult to recognise that a dog has heat stroke without taking their temperature. But if a previously healthy dog flops down to the ground, continually panting, in the full heat of the day, then heat stroke is high on the list of possibilities. If the dogs has been in an enclosed space (like a car) or has been exercising heavily in a warm environment, then the diagnosis is even more likely.

Urgent treatment is essential in such cases: the general principle is to cool the dog down without causing over-chilling.

Application of cool water to the body

Cool water can be poured over the animal: a sponge may help to obtain maximal drenching and cooling from a bucket if a continual water supply such as a hose is not available. The application of cold, wet towels is also helpful. Packs of frozen vegetables can also be applied to the body and head can provide additional cooling.