I always take my dog out at the end of the day just before the sun sets.
If it’s too hot for me to be outside than it’s definitely too hot for him – same with walking on pavement.
Unfortunately, not all dog owners are aware of the dangers of high temperatures, resulting in several tragic deaths each year.
PETA collects reports on how many pets who dies each year due to heat stroke or because they have been left in a hot car.
According to the organization, 58 animals died in hot weather–related deaths in 2018 alone.
Help us put an end to this by reading this post.
Last year, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) shared a heartbreaking story.
The RSPCA got a phone call about a dog that tragically died from heatstroke. The dog despite being otherwise healthy.
According to the organization, one family had taken their dog out for a routine walk, just like any other day.
But this day wasn’t going to be just like any other day. Sadly, it all ended in tragedy.
“This morning we have been informed that yesterday a local dog died of heat stroke after being taken on a walk at 9am when the temperature was 21 degrees (Celsius),” RSPCA’s Altrincham branch wrote on their Facebook page.
In Fahrenheit, that is 70 degrees — which is not that hot if you ask me.
However, the temperatures that week had been at record highs.
“The dog was 5 years old and otherwise fit and healthy,” the post continued.
Don’t ignore the warnings
“Despite lots of warnings about the heat we still see dogs being walked to the shops, on the school run, or as soon as owners get in from work. We do understand the crucial nature of walking your dog, however please bear in mind that walking in high temperatures can cause serious and irreversible damage, and in some cases death.”
Even if the RSPCA sends out warnings every year, it’s important to keep the message alive: Dogs are having a hard time handling high heat and humidity.
They aren’t made to handle that type of weather.
You may think that you have a perfectly healthy puppy, but that puppy is just as much at risk for heatstroke as an elderly dog.
So please: During hot summer days, always watch out for warning signals like this:
Symptoms of overheating
- Heavy panting
- Excessive thirst
- Glazed eyes
- Vomiting and bloody diarrhea
- Bright or dark red tongue, gums
- Staggering
- Elevated body temperature (104ºF and up)
- Weakness, collapse
- Increased pulse and heartbeat
- Seizures
- Excessive drooling
- Unconsciousness
If your dog’s body temperature are 109ºF or higher, heatstroke is the cause. What happens is that the pet’s cells of the body rapidly start to die.
The worst? All these catastrophic events take place within a matter of minutes, according to Dr. Joseph Mercola.
What to do if your dog gets overheated
If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, make sure you act immediately!
- The first thing you should do is to move your dog to a cooler area. Try to get them cooled down quickly.
- Try to offer your dog small amounts of water to drink, not a large volume of water. That might cause your pet to vomit and you don’t want that to happen.
- Take your dog’s temperature if possible.
- When your dog seems more comfortable. call your veterinarian for next steps.
- The doctor may want to evaluate your dog even if he seems fully recovered.
Mourning a beloved pet is difficult enough when it’s expected and the death is painless.
But losing a family member in an avoidable case of heatstroke is something many pet owners never forgive themselves for.
So please take a moment and share this important warning with all your friends!
A simple push on the share button could potentially save an animal’s life this summer.
