Leaving your beloved pooch outside on a warm summer day may seem like a treat. Leaving him in the car for a few minutes while you run errands may seem like no big deal; but even a little while left unattended under the hot sun can lead to overheating for your dog. If your dog will be outside, watch for the symptoms of overheating and take immediate action should the problem occur.
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Panting
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Unlike humans, dogs can't sweat when they get hot. Instead, they pant to reduce their body heat. A dog who is overheating will start panting rapidly. This can be accompanied by excessive salivation.
Thirst
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An overheated dog may display signs of increased or excessive thirst, since overheating in dogs is typically accompanied by dehydration.
Reddened Skin
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Reddened skin is one of the symptoms of a dog overheating. This occurs as the dog's body attempts to increase heat loss. To check for this symptom of overheating, look at the color of your dog's ears and the pads of his feet.
Pale Gums
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Check your dog's mouth for signs of overheating. An overheated dog will have gums that are paler than normal.
Dizziness and Lethargy
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A dog who is overheating may become lethargic, weak or dizzy.
Nausea and Diarrhea
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Overheating in dogs may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea that is watery.
Unconsciousness
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The last stage of overheating in dogs is unconsciousness and coma. This is typically followed by death. To save your dog, be sure to seek help before overheating progresses to this stage.
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