Philippine summers can be especially hard on dogs, so paying a visit to your trusty Tiendesitas pet shops for essential summer supplies is a must! Dogs are more at risk from suffering from the effects of high temperatures than humans. As dogs do not sweat the same way as humans, it is up to their owners to help them get through the hot summer months. Heat stress is a common condition amongst dogs in the summer, and this can be fatal if not immediately attended to.
Heat Stress in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Heat stress is defined as the absorption of excess heat by the body. When the body cannot regulate the heat or temperature that it has absorbed, it may lead to illness, stress, or even death in extreme cases. Learn how to recognize the following signs of heat stress in dogs, and what you can do to help prevent and address it.
Signs of Heat Stress
The hot weather can be hard for your pets! Here are some warning flags of heat stress that you should look out for in your dog:
- Heavy Panting: Unlike humans, our beloved canine friends only have sweat glands in the footpads of their paws. A dog’s primary way to help themselves cool down is through panting. Prolonged open-mouthed panting is a bad sign for dogs, especially if it is accompanied by swollen tongues (due to the swelling of blood vessels from increased blood flow) and reddened gums.
- Too Much Drool: Dogs create excess saliva because it helps their body speed up the cooling down process. Too much drool, accompanied by heavy panting, can be a sign that your pets are heating up from the inside.
- Doggie Red Flags: Other extreme signs of heat stress for your pets include vomiting, diarrhea, sluggishness and slow response to signals, uncoordinated movements, and fainting.
Dog Essentials to Help Fight Heat Stress
Knowing the right tools to help your dogs fight heat stress is important in preventing further complications. Here’s a handy list of things you can stock up on from your favorite Tiendesitas pet shop:
- Pet First Aid Kit: Accidents can happen when you least expect them, even when you are in the comforts of your own home. Make sure to keep two first aid kits: one in your car and one at home. It is also handy to keep the number of your veterinarian in the pet first aid kit, so you or other people would know where to find it when needed.
- Rectal Thermometer: It is handy to keep a thermometer for your pets, especially with the higher risk of heat stress. A temperature of 39-41 degrees celsius (that’s 103-106 degrees in fahrenheit) puts your dog at risk for heat stress. If they go over this temperature range, it is best to bring them to the veterinarian as fast as possible.
- Booties: The pads on the paws of your dog’s feet can sustain burns as well! This is a fact that many pet owners do not seem to realize. If you cannot avoid taking your dog on a walk in hot weather, make sure to check the temperature of the pavement or surfaces that your dog would walk on.
- Dog House: Make sure that your dog is protected from the harsh rays of the sun! If you are getting your pet a dog house, make sure that the structure is well-ventilated.
- Towels: It is also recommended that you get spare towels for your pets this summer. The towel can be soaked in cool (not ice-cold, take note!) water. You can then drape this towel over your dog’s back and neck, to help them cool down after a period of physical activity.
Knowing the signs of heat stress in dogs can help you stock up on supplies that you need to help prevent and care for your pets. For all your pet’s needs this summer, be sure to drop by Tiendesitas pet shops, your one-stop pet shopping haven!
Tiendesitas is part of Ortigas & Company, one of the pioneers in the Philippine real estate landscape. To learn more about the Tiendesitas pets shops and other attractions that Tiendesitas can offer, feel free to read more at the Ortigas Malls website.
Sources:
https://www.honestpaws.com/blogs/pet-care/heat-stroke-in-dogs
