For many pet owners, summer offers an opportunity to spend more quality time with our furry friends. However, if you plan to have some outdoor adventures with your dog during these hot months, you need to monitor your four-legged companion for signs of heat exhaustion, which is also known as heatstroke or heat stress. Enjoy summer with your dog, but be on the lookout for these dangerous symptoms.

How to Identify Heat Stress in Dogs

1. Excessive Panting

Unlike humans, dogs don’t have sweat glands on their bodies, so they rely on panting to cool themselves down. If your pet gets extremely overheated, you may notice them panting unusually hard and fast, perhaps even to the point of hyperventilation. Panting tends to increase as heat exhaustion progresses. Due to the shape of their head, short-nosed breeds, such as boxers and pugs, can’t pant as efficiently as other dogs, so they’re particularly at risk for heat stress.

2. Mental Confusion

As heat exhaustion progresses, it begins to affect the dog’s organs, including the brain. Your pet may appear confused or delirious and become increasingly agitated and restless. When heat stress becomes severe, the dog may appear to be in a mental stupor and become unresponsive or even lose consciousness. If you think your furry friend has heatstroke, treat it as a medical emergency, and take them to an animal hospital immediately.

3. Digestive Issues

Canines experiencing severe heat stress can’t digest food normally. Your pet may begin to vomit or have diarrhea. As heat exhaustion worsens, the lining of the intestines can become damaged, leading to signs of blood in your dog’s stool. You should rush your furry friend to a veterinary hospital for immediate attention since these are serious symptoms that may require medication or intravenous fluids.

If your four-legged friend exhibits any of these signs, bring them to the skilled team at Ohana Veterinary Hospital in Honolulu, HI. For over 20 years, this locally owned clinic has provided quality pet health services for dogs, cats, and exotic animals across Oahu. In addition to treating heat exhaustion, these professionals offer wellness exams, vaccinations, and dental cleanings. View their services online, or call (808) 845-1762 to schedule an appointment.