While playing outside in the heat, your canine companion’s body temperature can rise to dangerous levels. Although dogs pant to help regulate body temperature, there are still a few pet care steps to follow when dogs exhibit nausea, fatigue, excessive panting, and other common signs of heat exhaustion. Below are immediate actions to take to bring your pet’s body temperature back down to normal.  

3 Pet Care Tips to Treat Your Overheated Canine

1. Keep the Animal Hydrated

Dogs pant to circulate air through their bodies to help stay cool. When the animals pant excessively, they lose moisture, which leads to dehydration. Give your dog fresh water to replace the lost moisture. The liquid should be cool, not ice cold, as bringing the animal’s temperature down too quickly could cause more harm. 

2. Place Wet Towels on the Coat

Normal body temperature for dogs ranges from 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Similar to using cold compresses to reduce fever in humans, applying cold, wet towels to the dog’s coat will help bring down the body temperature. The damp cloths should be applied to the animal’s neck, hind legs, and armpits for the skin to soak in the moisture. 

3. Seek Out Medical Attention

Although you can try the above steps to help your overheated canine, nothing compares to the expertise a trained pet care specialist can provide. If your dog’s condition doesn’t improve, head to a veterinary clinic or animal hospital for further assistance. While there, medical care providers can check the dog’s temperature, run tests, administer fluids, and do everything else possible to prevent organ failure. 

If you are planning a trip out of town, the staff at Almost Home Pet Resort, serving the Covington, KY, community, will provide comfortable lodging for your pooch and keep them protected from the Kentucky heat. They will also provide grooming to keep your dog cool and healthy. To learn more about dog boarding and pet care services available in Kenton County, call (859) 356-8181. A team member will let you know what pet vaccinations are required to board your animal. Visit the kennel for dogs online and check out their Facebook page to see pictures of the facility.