Dog Heat Stroke Symptoms
Like their human counterparts, dogs can get too warm and suffer from heat stroke. This is caused by being in a hot confined space with little ventilation, such as in a car. It is very important that you don't put your canine companions into this kind of situation. Dogs suffering from heat stroke can enter a coma or even die from this condition, so it is essential to recognize the signs.
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Swollen Tongue, Panting
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As most people are aware, dogs start to pant when they get hot. They do this to release heat from their body and cool themselves off. A very hot dog will also have a swollen tongue. This allows them to give off even more heat through increased surface area.
A panting dog will release even more heat into the air, heating the air quicker than it would otherwise if there is no ventilation.
Bright Red Gums or Tongue
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A dog suffering from heat exhaustion may have a bright red coloring to their gums or tongue. The gums may also be dry to the touch.
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Disorientation or Confusion
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A dog with too high of an internal temperature may stare or have an anxious expression. It may also appear disorientated and stumble while walking. Another sign of confusion is if a dog doesn't respond to their name or commands, when it usually does.
Increased Heart Rate, Difficulty Breathing
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Another common sign is increased heart rate and difficulty breathing. If you notice that your dog seems too winded to correlate with the activity it was doing, it may be a symptom of heat stroke.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
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Vomiting and diarrhea are more common signs of heat stroke in dogs. At this point, it is critical to get your dog cooled off and to a veterinarian immediately.
Collapse, Coma, and Death
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If a dog's temperature is at too high for too long, it can collapse. At this point, irreversible organ failure may be occurring and it is crucial to cool your dog off and get to a veterinarian immediately. You may have only minutes to act.
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