What can I add to my dog's water or food to prevent heat stroke?

You are a great pet owner for being concerned about this and planning ahead! In the oppressive heat, heat stroke can happen very quickly. Some dogs can learn to adapt to the heat and are better able to handle it (think dogs that work as partners for soldiers in Iraq or Search and Rescue dogs). Signs of heatstroke include: Increased heart rate Excessive panting Increased salivation Bright red tongue Red or pale gums Thick, sticky saliva Depression Weakness Dizziness Vomiting (sometimes with blood) Diarrhea As heatstroke progresses, it can cause seizures, coma, cardiac arrest, and death. Exercising early in the morning during the cooler hours, providing lots of fresh cool water and finding places to exercise in the shade (like a nature trail hike) can help keep your dog cool. Several companies make Cool Coats that reflect heat and funnel it away from your dog. Also, find other ways for your dog to get exercise or even exercise their mind. You would be amazed at how tiring this is for dogs- take a Nosework class and your dog can learn to find different scents and you can practice at home in the house. Pick up a few puzzle toys and let your dog learn to find food and treats in the puzzles. Also, you could see if your dog might enjoy a swim-- even a little splash pool at home can be fun for the dog or some hose play- Don't overdo a dog's can get very sick if they drink too much water when playing.

I would strongly encourage you only to take short walks and do it first thing in the morning or the evening when it isn't as hot. To help keep her cool outside, be sure there is plenty of shade and water as well as a fan for her to get access to. Preferably, if you can keep her inside during the day, I would. Signs of heavy panting and laying on their side panting a lot are both early signs that she is getting too hot. As a heat stroke progress, they can become non-responsive, the tongue can be bright pink/red to even purple if she is having trouble getting oxygen. The best thing to do is to try to prevent this from happening. I hope this helps!

Your dog is not going to get heat stroke if he is out of the sun, in a well-ventilated area, and has access to fresh water. Heat stroke is an issue for dogs left in vehicles with the windows up, or dogs allowed or forced to run without rest during warm days. Moose will be fine, but it's great that you are concerned for his welfare:).

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Symptoms of heat stroke are usually apparent within a few hours from exposure to high ambient temperature. The most common symptoms are lethargy, weakness, panting and vomiting. Development heat stress symptoms 6-8hrs after a walk is rather unlikely but definitely possible. Ideally you should to take Maisie's temperature (human thermometer is fine, but it has to be measured in the rectum) and if it is above 104F, it will be heat stress. In that case you should cool her down and take her to your local vets.

Great question, and it's wonderful that you're being conscientious about this! The most important things are to provide a shady place for Bruno to relax & escape the sun, and to keep fresh water available at all times. If you're driving the boat & can't have water out (because it'll spill), just make sure there are frequent stops to offer water. As long as you do this, Bruno should do fine! Have fun and hope this helps!

Hello! That is very hot! You are right to be concerned for heat stroke. Make sure that he will have access to lots of fresh water- leaving a few bowls out with ice cubes in the morning may be a good idea. You can also make a cheap "air conditioner" with a fan and an ice pack that may help keep the area cool. Dark curtains may also help keep the apartment cooler throughout the day. I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi, heat stroke is a very serious condition that requires a vet's intervention. he needs fluids to help cool him. If you are unable to find a vet to take him to, you can cool him down by using cool water. Get a thermometer and take his temperature by inserting it into his rectum about one inch. The normal temperature is 99.5-102.5. You don't want to cool him down too quickly or he can go into shock so it is important not to use ice or cold water. IF his temperature is still elevated, you can soak towels in cool water and drape them over him. If he can swallow, spoon or syringe cool water into his mouth. Keep him comfortable and cool and stop cooling measure when his temperature reaches 101, so you don't make him too cold. It is important to take him to a vet as soon as possible because heat stroke can have long lasting effects that can be deadly. He will need fluids and antibiotics to help his GI system recover from shock. Vets should be open first thing in the morning. Good luck!