8 Signs Your Dog Is Overheating and What You Can Do to Help

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Summer sunshine and playtime are a blast for our beloved pets, but with all that fun comes a hidden danger – overheating. Unlike us, dogs can’t cool themselves down as efficiently. However, consciously understanding their behavioral changes can help identify the signs and take appropriate measures. Read on to learn more about the indicators of thermal distress.

Panting Powerhouse

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Excessive panting, especially at rest, allows them to cool down by rapidly evaporating moisture from their lungs. Using this technique, they pull heat away from the core and release it into the air. If you spot them panting like they just ran a marathon after a short walk or while lounging around, it’s a sign that they’re struggling to regulate their temperature.

Seeking Shade and Cooler Surfaces

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Studies suggest that dogs don’t necessarily understand the concept of overheating. Yet, their bodies are wired to react to discomfort caused by rising temperatures. Seeking shade and cool surfaces provides immediate relief from that discomfort.

Tongue Trouble

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If you suspect the heat is taking a toll on your pet, check its tongue. Under normal circumstances, it should be a healthy pink color and moist. Conversely, if you see bright red, brick red, or grayish, it could indicate overheating and dehydration. 

Excessive Drooling

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We all know some breeds are natural droolers, but even for them, a significant increase in drooling can be a sign of overheating. Drool, like sweat for humans, helps them cool down through evaporation. So, while extra saliva might be expected during playtime, excessive drooling, panting, and lethargy suggest your dog is getting too hot.

Stumbling and Fumbling

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One of the common causes of this loss of coordination could be due to a heatstroke. As their body overheats, it might affect your fur baby’s nervous system, leading to weakness, stumbling, and tremors.

Loss of Appetite

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Food is the most excellent motivator for many of our pets, so something might be afoot if they turn down a treat. Loss of appetite is among the many signs of heat stress. Focusing on food might not be the top priority when hot and uncomfortable.

Decrease in Frequency of Urination

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Indeed, dogs usually pee a lot, but how often they go can be a clue to their hydration levels. While excessive urination can be due to other underlying medical conditions, if they start peeing very little or not at all, do not rule out the possibility of dehydration due to overheating.

Lethargy

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Does your pet seem like they’d rather be a living puddle than their usual playful self? Lethargy, weakness, and an unwillingness to move may be due to hyperthermia. In an attempt to conserve energy and to counter the excess body temperatures, their systems start to shut down.

How Can You Help Your Dog?

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Summer fun shouldn’t turn into a heat emergency for them. So, what should you do if you sense thermal distress?

Know Your Breed

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Certain breeds, like Pugs and Bulldogs, are more vulnerable to hypothermia because of their tiny snouts. Limit their walks on hot days and prioritize staying cool indoors with air conditioning or fans. 

Moving Them to Cooler/Shaded Areas

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Upon noticing the signs of overheating, take immediate action to bring down their body temperature. Move them to a cool/shaded area and gently wet their fur with cool water, focusing on the belly, paws, and armpits. Avoid ice water, as it can restrict blood flow to the skin.

Encourage Them to Drink Water

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Water becomes essential during hot weather. Carry a portable water bowl and frequently offer your dog fresh, cool water during outings. Please encourage them to drink by providing small sips throughout the walk or playtime.

Modify Their Playtime and Exercise Routine

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Exertion and strenuous activity in hot weather can quickly lead to overheating. Adjusting exercise routines during hot days is vital to avoid pushing them too far. Early morning or evening walks are preferred as temperatures are more relaxed. For indoor playtime, consider games that don’t require excessive exertion, like puzzle toys or indoor fetch with a lightweight ball.

Acclimatization

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Interestingly, dogs can adapt to hot weather to some extent. Studies by Comparative Exercise Physiology show that with gradual exposure to warmer temperatures with time, canines can become more efficient at panting and regulating their body temperature.

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