How to Detect and Treat Hyperthermia in Dogs

The ideal outdoor temperature for a dog is 75 degrees F with low humidity. At higher temperatures, monitor your dog's activity level and avoid prolonged exposure to heat and sun.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Denatured Alcohol
• Rectal Thermometers (for Animals)
• Dog Bones
• Dog Dishes
• Towels

1. Look for a large red tongue, thick saliva, noisy breathing, weakness, staggering and a body temperature of 106 degrees F or higher.

2. Cool your pet's body off immediately by pouring cool water over your dog or applying alcohol.

3. Apply cold, wet towels to your pet's body.

4. Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian will administer necessary treatments such as IV fluids and will treat your pet for shock.

5. Monitor your dog on hot days.

6. Help prevent hyperthermia by not leaving your dog in parked cars in the summer months.

Tips & Warnings

• Some causes of hyperthermia include exercise, being left in a parked car, a thick coat, short faces (such as with bulldogs and boxers), inadequate outdoor shelter, prolonged seizures, lung and heart diseases and a history of having hyperthermal episodes.

• Dogs have few ways to eliminate heat. When they pant, the tongue surface enlarges in order to dissipate as much heat as possible. Dogs sweat on the pads of their feet.

• Hyperthermia can be fatal if left untreated.

• Puppies are also susceptible to hyperthermia.