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How to House Train Your Dog Effectively
House training is one of the first and most important steps in raising a dog. We explain how to start from day one, how to use puppy pads, how to make the move to outdoor walks, how to train an adult dog, and when toileting problems may actually be a sign of illness.
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Pregnancy in Dogs: How to Give the Mother-to-Be and Her Puppies the Best Care
A dog's pregnancy lasts around two months and calls for special attention from the owner. The Zviropolis team explains how to recognise pregnancy, which tests are needed, how to adjust feeding, how to prepare for whelping and when to call the vet without delay.
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Fruit Traps: Which Treats Are Safe for Your Dog?
Fruit can be a healthy addition to your dog's diet, but not every kind is safe. We explain which fruits you can share with your pet without worry, which ones can cause poisoning or kidney damage, and how to introduce fruit into the diet the right way.
Heatstroke in dogs: symptoms, treatment and prevention
Why do dogs get heatstroke?
Heatstroke is a state of overheating in which the dog is unable to shed excess heat. If the owner does not react in time, it can even become life-threatening. Those most at risk are young and older dogs, dogs with chronic illnesses, dogs with long, thick coats, brachycephalic breeds and animals with respiratory or cardiovascular disease.
Short-muzzled dogs have an even harder time losing heat, because their elongated soft palate and narrow nostrils prevent them from drawing in air properly.
Unlike humans, dogs do not have sweat glands all over their body, so their main way of cooling down is panting, which is how they get rid of excess heat.
What are the first signs of heatstroke?
The symptoms do not have to appear all at once; only some of them may be present, and the most important thing is for the owner to react quickly. Heatstroke is diagnosed when the animal’s body temperature reaches as much as 40.5-43 degrees.
Typical signs of overheating include:
What can you do if your dog is overheated or has heatstroke?
If you notice the symptoms described above in your dog, contact a veterinary clinic as soon as possible and let them know you are on your way.
A dog showing signs of heatstroke should be moved immediately to a cooler place and offered cool, but not ice-cold, water to drink. You can wet the dog’s coat to help bring its body temperature down.
How is heatstroke in dogs treated?
The vet’s first task is to stabilise the dog. Further treatment will depend on the patient’s condition. Remember that the sooner the owner reacts, the better the chances of the dog coming through unharmed.
How to prevent your dog from overheating
Prevention is far better than cure, because heatstroke can even be fatal for dogs.
Remember that on hot days animals also need shade, water and a place to rest. Never, under any circumstances, leave a dog in a car: it heats up quickly, and within a few minutes the temperature inside can reach around 45 degrees.
Walks should take place first thing in the morning and in the evening, once it has cooled down. If possible, shorten or skip the daytime walk altogether. Any physical activity should be planned for the evening so that the dog stays comfortable.