The summer months provide the perfect opportunity for you and your dog to get outside for some fun and adventure. However, the hot temperatures can often lead to overheating and exhaustion. This is why it is important to understand how some fun in the sun can sometimes negatively impact your furry friend. One of the biggest ways to protect your dog is by knowing what to look out for if they are overheated. So, let’s take a look at some of the most common signs of an overheating dog.
Panting
One of the most common signs of overheating with your dog is panting. Dogs typically pant to cool themselves down. So, you may notice them do it even when they are slightly too warm in temperature. However, if you notice excessive panting with no relief, it could be a sign that this heat has reached another level. Be sure to check for this along with other signs as panting can also be a sign of overexertion as well as a plethora of other medical conditions.
Disorientation
Another easy sign of overheating you can spot is disorientation in a dog. When it comes to disorientation, you will want to be on the lookout for the following symptoms: falling down, walking in circles, being unable to stand, vomiting, walking shakily, tripping, eyes darting back, and forth, and their head tilted to one side. Keep in mind that disorientation can become more severe over time with serious health consequences. Therefore, regardless of how mild you view the condition to be, you should still treat your dog as soon as possible before moving on with your day.
Bright Red or Blue Gums
One sign of overheating that might require a little more attention to detail is brightly colored gums in your dog. The gums turn blue due to a lack of oxygen, so given that proper oxygen levels allow us to live and breathe every day, if you notice this in your dog’s mouth, it should raise many concerns as it could be a serious sign that your pup is struggling in the hot temperatures.
Collapsing
There are a number of reasons why your dog may collapse and none of them are good. Overheating is certainly one of them along with allergic reactions and other medical conditions. So, if you notice your dog collapsing in combination with some of the other signs mentioned, it could be a clear sign that your dog got a little bit too much of the sun. If this becomes severe, you will need to take your pet to the nearest animal hospital as soon as possible.
If you notice any of these signs of overheating in your dog, you will need to take immediate action to cool them down such as bringing them indoors to a cool place, or, if they are willing to drink, offering cold water to rehydrate them. If you have any further questions, you can feel free to contact Cherrelyn Animal Hospital at (303) 532-1258!
