Identifying Signs of Heatstroke in Your Dog

My dog doesn't care what the temperature is outside, she's stoked to go outside and wants to run to her pee spot like there's a competition. Her energy is second to none, but her love of the outside world concerns me because of the heat. Whenever we get back to the apartment we both layout on the kitchen floor. The temperatures here lately have me worried.

Many of us just overlook a huge threat that many dogs in the south face. Heat exhaustion in dogs can lead to some serious and potentially fatal conditions.

How can you tell if your dog is suffering from a heat stroke? An early sign can be as simple as your dog not turning to look at you when you call them over. Immediately move your dog to a cooler area, either indoors where there is air conditioning, my dog and I hung out on the kitchen floor, or you can take your dog under the shade under a fan.

The Humane Society of the United States lists off potential heatstroke signs like:

•  glazed eyes
• weakness
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• excessive drooling
• a rapid heart rate
• dizziness or lack of coordination
• fever
• lethargy
• loss of consciousness 

Remember to limit your dog's exercise and always check the asphalt, burnt paws are a serious issue that a lot of owners overlook.