Dogs, unlike humans, do not have many sweat glands. This reduces their ability to regulate their body temperature. According to therealowner.com, to compensate, dogs pant and the glands on their tongues release heat. When a dog is unable to disperse the heat efficiently enough, its core temperature may rise too high resulting in illness. High temperatures may also be caused by illness or fever. To check the temperature of a dog, use an ear thermometer. A dog’s ideal temperature should be lower that 102.5 Fahrenheit.
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Cool Water
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The quickest method for cooling a dog’s temperature is to apply cool water to his fur. Spraying with a garden hose or placing him into the shower will help him to cool down. The cool water will cool the blood cells close to the surface, which will in turn move through the body bringing the overall heat down. Do not use freezing or ice cold water! This can make the problem worse, as the ice causes blood cells to constrict, reducing heat transfer out of the body. Ice cold water may also cause the dog to shiver producing more heat in the body.
Cool Drink
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Lead the dog to its drinking bowl and fill with cool water. As a dog mainly cools itself through the tongue, soaking it in cool water will lower body temperature quickly. The drink will also help to prevent dehydration, which according to Natural-dog-health-remedies.com, a drop of 10% body water can lead to severe complications when the dog is overheating.
Aconitum Napellus
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Aconitum Napellus, also known as Monkshood, Blue Rocket, Friar’s Cap and Auld Wife’s Huid according to Botanical.com, is a poisonous plant that has tremendous medicinal properties. The plant is used in homeopathy to reduce the heart rate and blood flow, thus cooling the body temperature. In emergencies, the tincture can be given to dogs to combat heat stroke, although you should always ask a trained homeopath as to the correct dosage.
Atropa Belladonna
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Atropa Belladonna or Deadly Nightshade as it is also known, is a perennial plant found throughout North America. It is used as a homeopathic remedy to treat severe heat stroke in dogs and will help to reduce their temperature very quickly according to petremedycharts.com. The plant should only be administered after seeking the advice of a qualified homeopath who can recommend the appropriate dosage.
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