Heat Exhaustion
I seem to write about this every year but we continue to see dogs at the clinic suffering from severe heat exhaustion.
We see two causes of heat exhaustion.
1) Over exertion in hot weather
2) Sitting in a hot car in the sun
If the temperature is hot (and lets be optimistic, it will again), try not to exercise your dog in the heat of the day. Often dogs are so overjoyed about running around after a period of confinement that they will over do it. Always make sure that they have plenty of water available, and if they are getting hot, give them a swim.
Never leave your dog in the car in full sun, especially with the windows closed. It only takes 5 to 10 minutes for their body temperature to raise to a level where it is causing damage to their body.
If you must travel with you dog in the car, allow for good ventilation, and make regular stops for a drink for them.
If you think your dog has heat exhaustion get him to the clinic immediately, as the sooner we can get the temperature down, the better the chance of survival.
Lets not kid ourselves, heat exhaustion can be and often is fatal.
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