The summer season can be pretty daunting, especially for puppies, with the rising heat & temperatures. Most puppy owners love enjoying the summer season by opting for outdoor activities like camping, swimming and hiking. As a result, they also want to involve their pups in the experience, thereby leading to increased concerns for heat strokes in their puppies.
Since dogs & puppies are very sensitive to temperature changes, it’s always a good idea to know the inherent signs of heat strokes, so that the same can be prevented easily.
What Do You Mean By A Heatstroke?
According to a popular puppy school in Perth, the usual body temperature of a puppy is around 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit, then most probably your puppy is experiencing a heat stroke. The condition is also known as Hypothermia. It should be known that any common environment will be able to produce heat stroke in a puppy, especially when travelling in closed cars, on a sunny day.
Puppies only have some limited ways to cool down their body naturally. The primary process is panting, which releases moisture from their nasal passages, tongues and their lung linings. The second process that they use to cool down is to use the pads of their paws to release sweat. But, it’s not enough to control the internal temperature of their body.
The Cause Of Heat Strokes
Besides the obvious answer, i.e. high external temperatures, other factors also come into play. The breed, age, weight, fitness and existing medical conditions of the puppy – also lead to the formation of heat strokes.
Moreover, long or short-snouted, thick-coated puppies are also susceptible to heat strokes. Additionally, the ability of your puppy to have constant access to drink cold water can also affect the chance of developing heat strokes.
The Heatstroke Symptoms That You Should Be Looking Out For In Your Puppy
Regarding heat strokes, it must be remembered that early treatment and detection can directly help in saving your puppy’s life, especially from death or any serious long-term damage. As per a professional school for puppy training in Perth, the following signs should be looked out for when you take out your puppy in hot weather conditions:
- Excessive drooling
- Heavy panting
- Rapid breathing
- High heart rate
- Tongue & ears becoming bright red
- The body is hot to touch
If your puppy is exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged period, then the above-mentioned symptoms can get worse over time. As a result, your puppy may start experiencing dehydration and hyperventilation. Furthermore, the eyes of the puppies will continue to dilate, gums may appear blue, experience muscle tremors and sometimes even collapse or become unresponsive.
For any additional assistance, be sure to get in touch with our puppy experts today.