Heatstroke in dogs is a serious and potentially fatal condition that can occur when a dog's body temperature rises to dangerous levels. As summer temperatures climb, it's crucial for pet owners to know how to prevent and treat heat-related stress in their pets.
In June, Russell Rescue TN, a volunteer-driven organization, shared a post on Facebook to raise awareness about the dangers of handling a dog's heatstroke incorrectly. According to the organization, the key is to cool the dog down gently and seek medical attention promptly. Extreme measures like submerging the dog in cold water or placing them on ice can shock their system, potentially leading to life-threatening consequences.
"The advisement is more about not shocking your dog's system by submerging them in cold water, drenching them in cold water, laying them on ice, etc.," a Russell Rescue TN spokesperson told Newsweek.
"As humans, our gut instinct is to counteract a situation with an opposing force. So if it is hot, we think cold. When dogs are overheated, the extreme response to cold water can cause more damage and could even be life-threatening."
Dr. Eliza O'Callaghan, DMV at Small Door Veterinary in NYC, emphasizes the importance of gradual cooling. "I recommend helping an overheated dog by moving them to a cooler, shaded area immediately and offering small amounts of water to drink to avoid dehydration. Avoid pouring cold water directly on your dog, as this can cause their blood vessels to constrict, potentially leading to shock or hypothermia," O'Callaghan said.
Instead, she suggests gently applying cool, damp cloths to their paws, belly, and neck to gradually lower their body temperature.
Recognizing the signs of heatstroke is critical. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, or lethargy. If these signs appear, veterinary attention should be sought immediately.
Prevention is also crucial, and Dr. O'Callaghan advises keeping dogs hydrated. During walks, bring a portable water bottle to keep your dog hydrated on the go.
The Kennel Club's comprehensive guidelines on preventing and treating heatstroke in dogs, also recommend gradually cooling the dog and ensuring the dog has access to water to drink but not forcing it. They also stress the importance of seeking veterinary advice as soon as possible.
The video quickly went viral on social media, getting viewers from across TikTok. It has so far received over 626 likes and 17,000 reshares on the platform.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Maria Azzurra Volpe is a Newsweek Lifestyle Reporter based in London. Her focus is reporting on lifestyle and trends-related stories, ... Read more
