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Heatstroke is a serious health risk that many dogs get exposed to through a hot environment and health factors like the dog’s breed, age or weight. Because the condition can lead to organ damage or even death, owners need to cool their dogs quickly if the dog is showing concerning symptoms. The best prevention comes from keeping them in a mild environment with plenty of shade and water.
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that happens when a dog’s body temperature rises above the normal range, which stands between 99.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Heatstroke can also be called heat stress, heat exhaustion or hyperthermia.
Dogs and cats can’t sweat to lower their temperature except through their paw pads. They rely on evaporative cooling like panting or licking their fur to beat the heat. These pets can easily overheat in high temperatures, such as the car or backyard on hot summer days.
Dogs can suffer from heatstroke because of factors involving their breed, weight or environment. Several key factors involved with pets getting heatstroke:
Brachycephalic breeds, including Pugs, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers, have flat noses and smaller nasal passages. Because it’s difficult for them to get enough air to cool themselves down, even mildly high temperatures can lead to heatstroke in these breeds.
You may need to act quickly to cool your pet down if you notice these symptoms:
Signs of dehydration in dogs can include urinating less than usual, lost skin elasticity, dry nose or gums, lost appetite, vomiting or diarrhea. You can pinch your dog’s skin to test its elasticity. If the skin takes time to bounce back, your dog may be dehydrated.
Just as with humans, heatstroke in dogs doesn’t just mean they need to cool down from overheating. Heatstroke can turn into a life-threatening condition when not treated quickly. It can damage vital organs, leading to seizures, collapse, coma and even death. However, many dogs can recover quickly if owners treat it during the early stages.
If your pup is showing signs of heatstroke, they likely need urgent treatment. You can take immediate action to:
The medical treatment your vet provides will differ based on the severity of each case and your dog’s ability to recover. After assessing your dog’s health, the vet may decide on the best treatment that may include:
Keep these simple tips in mind to protect your dog from developing this serious health problem in the first place:
Yes, pet insurance can cover heatstroke. Depending on your policy and reimbursement chosen, you may still pay your vet’s exam fee and a portion of the bill. For example, if your pet policy covers 80% of the bill, you would cover the other 20% for your dog’s treatment.
However, if you have an accident-only policy, you can review your policy terms to see whether your insurance company treats heatstroke as an accident or illness. Many companies impose a waiting period of 30 days for illnesses on new policies.
Your dog may thank you for keeping them safe during hot weather, offering plenty of shade, water and a mild environment whenever possible. But a pet insurance policy can help you stay prepared if you start noticing heatstroke symptoms like excessive panting or lethargy in your dog.
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