Symptoms of Canine Exhaustion

High temperatures in the summer months hold special dangers for dogs. Canine heat exhaustion can occur quickly while dogs are lying in the sun, enjoying an outdoor run with owners, or waiting in the car while their owners do errands. Puppies and older dogs are particularly susceptible to heat exhaustion as are dogs with long hair or black coats. Be alert for the symptoms of heat exhaustion.

  1. Excessive Panting

    • Dogs do not have sweat glands. They can only cool themselves by panting to reduce their internal temperature. Sometimes they cannot pant fast enough to do the job. When dogs pant heavily, it means they are struggling to cool themselves. Get your dog to a cooler place immediately. Do not leave your dog in a parked car on even moderately warm days. Inside the car the temperature can rise quickly, creating a situation that can risk your dog's life. Even leaving the window cracked open may not cool the inside of the car adequately.

    Nausea, Vomiting, &Diarrhea

    • The dog can begin to feel very ill and may vomit or have diarrhea. Losing fluids can cause dehydration which makes heat exhaustion worse and can quickly lead to heat stroke, a more severe condition that can lead to death. If the dog becomes nauseated or has diarrhea, immediately bring him to a cooler area and apply cool cloths or towels to the animal to bring the temperature down.

    Inside of Ears are Flushed &Red

    • This is a sign that the dog's internal temperature is becoming too high. Panting is not doing the job of cooling the animal. Get the animal into the shade or indoors and give it plenty of cool water immediately. Heat exhaustion can worsen into heat stroke. Both are life-threatening situations, which need immediate action on your part to cool the animal down.

    When Heat Exhaustion Leads to Heat Stroke

    • Symptoms of heat exhaustion should be a signal that your dog needs immediate help. Heat exhaustion can quickly become heat stroke, with symptoms of disorientation, confusion, lethargy, drooling, rapid heart beat, refusal to drink, rectal bleeding, and loss of consciousness. Even before you hurry your dog to the veterinarian, attempt to cool the dog down with cool water from a hose, cold cloths, or towels dipped in cool water (not ice water.) Then, put the dog into the car with the air-conditioning on while you bring him to the vet. According to vetinfo.com, heat stroke can cause blood clots and lasting organ damage.