Suffering from extreme heat is not just a human concern. Our pets can feel the heat too and keeping an eye out for signs of heat distress in your dog on really hot, humid days is important.

Heat stoke is more common in dogs than you might imagine. Dogs don't have the advantage of sweating as humans do to cool their bodies. When dog need to release some extra body heat, they pant. Often, in the heat of summer, the dog's panting is just not enough and the risk of heat stroke rises. Small dogs with short snouts have and even harder time keeping cool. Also, dogs release heat through the pads on their paws and being on hot concrete inhibits this ability.

Heat Stroke Risk Factors

The most common factors contributing to heat stroke are:

1. The dog is left in a car in hot weather.
2. Confining the dog in a concrete runs; chained with no access to shade or cool water.
3. The dog is a short-nosed breed, especially a Bulldog, Pug or Mastiff.
4. Over exertion whether playing or exercising in hot, humid weather
   
5. The dog has a prior condition that impairs breathing.
6. The dog is obese or elderly.
   

Signs of Heat Stroke

Other than being left in a closed car on a hot day, your dog is most at risk for heat stroke in the first warm days of summer, before its had a chance to acclimate to the weather change. Go easy on heavy exercise and play with your dog until you've both had a chance to get use to the higher humidity and heat. Watch for these signs of heat stroke:

1. Excessive panting, shallow, rapid breathing.
   
2. Excessive, heavy thick saliva or drooling, followed by a dry mouth and nose.
3. Hyperventilation or deep breathing.
4. Weakness, loss of balance and confusion.
5. Dull brownish pink gums, moving to red in advanced heat stroke
6. Vomiting and diarrhea.

When a dog is overheating, the body temperature can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. Most people don’t carry thermometers with them and so can't take a rectal temperature for the dog. A dog's normal body temperature is 101-102 degrees Fahrenheit. An elevated body temperature from 103- 106 degrees is serious. A body temp over 107 degrees Fahrenheit is a critical emergency.

Treatment

If you suspect your dog is suffering a heat stoke, immediate cooling treatment could save his or her life. Use tepid or cool water to submerge the dog's body. Do not use ice cold water, as this can cause circulation problems for the dog. If you can't get the dog in a tub or pool of water, use a water hose and let the water run continuously in the groin area. There are many blood vessels close to the surface in the groin, and this will be most effective in cooling your dog. If you have any cold packs, such as those in drink coolers, apply them to the dog in either the groin area or "armpits".

Use a fan to help speed the evaporation of heat from the dog's body. Do not apply wet towels to the dog; they only serve to trap the body heat. If you have a cooling dog bed or pad, use it underneath the dog. Don’t try to get the dog to drink water once a heat stroke is occurring. You need to get the body temp down and get to the vet as quickly as possible. Take the dog to the veterinarian or an emergency vet clinic immediately, once the body temperature begins to reduce. Any delay could be fatal to the dog.

Prevention

Clearly, heat stroke is something responsible pet owners want to avoid. With just a little forethought, it's easily done. First, get to know your dog's normal breathing rate when he or she is playing and exercising. You can't know if something is abnormal if you aren't aware of what is normal.

Make sure that your dog is kept in well ventilated areas when it's hot or humid. Don’t let your dog stay in an enclosed crate for prolonged periods of time. Don't place wet dogs into enclosed crates. Never leave the dog in a closed car.

When you are playing hard, swimming or exercising in hot weather, make sure your dog has frequent breaks in the shade with cool water to drink. If you think you need a break in the air conditioned car, so does your dog.

Consider your dog's overall heath and age before scheduling outdoor activities, like trips to the dog park, when it's hot and humid. Obese dogs, elderly dogs, dogs with asthma are at much higher risk for heat stroke than young, healthy adult dogs.