Know the signs of overheating in dogs
Lookout for these tell-tale signs of heat stroke in your pets.
South African summers are renowned for their heat.
Humans and dogs can easily suffer from heat stroke during the hotter months.
It is important to note that dogs are not as efficient at releasing heat as we are; they are built to conserve rather than release heat and tend to heat up faster than humans do.
As such, we may not be aware of the fact that a dog has become overheated until symptoms suddenly develop.
Heat stroke in dogs is a very serious condition and its onset can be sudden, escalating into an emergency situation in a matter of minutes.
Watch out for these tell-tale signs that your pets are overheating:
• Heavy panting
• Excessive thirst
• Glazed eyes
• Vomiting and bloody diarrhoea
• Bright or dark red gums and tongue
• Staggering
• Elevated body temperature
• Weakness
• Increased heart rate
• Excessive drooling
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness
ALSO READ:Â Meet the dedicated Germiston SPCA team
You can treat heat stroke by:
• Removing the dog from the heat.
• Allow the dog to drink cool water.
• Cool the dog with water.
• Place rubbing alcohol on the pads of the dog’s paws.
• Contact your veterinarian.
Remember not to cover or confine the dog. You can wipe the dog down with cool, damp towels, but do not drape the towels over the dog as this can trap in the dog’s body heat.
Similarly, do not place the dog in a closed crate that will hold the heat from his body in around his body. Rather place the dog on a cool tile floor and have a fan blow air over the animal.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:
Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
