What are the symptoms of heat stress in a dog? I live in south Louisiana and it gets hotter than a pistol down here, and the humidity is through the roof.
I can't just use the rule of thumb of "If it's too hot for me then it's too hot for the dog" because I'm acclimated to the heat. I'll go jogging even if it's 90 deg F and 90% humidity. However, I'm not wearing a black fur coat like my GSD, and I don't want to push him too far.
Some advice please? What symptoms should I be looking for?
Signs of heat stroke - rapid panting,weakness, wobbly rear end, excessive salivation, cyanosis(bluish gums) then collapse. Death can follow.
Scary stuff!
General rule of thumb that you can add 10 degrees of temperature to get what your dog is feeling it as and add more degrees for high humidity. Obesity , poor condition, thick fur, larger size or a large meal can predispose a dog to overheating. When exercising in warmer temps stop frequently to water and don't ask too much of your dog. Run thru water if possible and rest dogs if they pant heavily and don't wait for other symptoms of heat distress. If you dog is panting with his mouth wide open and you can see right down his throat he is too hot and needs to be rested and cooled. Exercise early morning and later in the evening is possible. Heat stroke can do lasting damage to a dogs system so it is best to play it safe in all exercise in the warm months.
David C.Frost Webboard User Reg: 01-23-2002
Posts: 1204
Loc: Nashville, TN
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Normal Temp for a dog is between 101 and 102. You can expect the dogs temperature to increase with excercise or exertion. Police handlers, hopefully are instructed on the proper procedure for taking a dogs temp, and knowing how to recognize the signs of overheating. Another fator to consider when working a dog that gets hot, is initially limiting thier water intake until the dog cools down a bit. Then of course, water freely. Handlers in hot weather zones, should carry chemical cool packs, if they do not have immediate access to water or ice. Dogs with temperatures that are approaching 105 degrees are in distress and need to be cooled down immediately. As the previous post stated, dogs that are in shape, can stand the heat much longer.
DFrost
Any behavior that is reinforced is more likely to occur again.
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