Many of us like to travel with our dogs, even if it is just a quick run to the corner store.  This is fine but in the warm days of summer, special care must be taken if you are going to leave your dog in the car.  On a real hot day your car can warm up rather quickly.  Your dog can suffer brain damage within minutes of the temperature hitting 40°C in your car.  Humans can cool their bodies by sweating but dogs have a very limited ability to sweat so even a short time in a heated car can be near fatal.

The humane society recommends that you leave your dog at home.  Even when home make sure your dog has proper shade, ventilation and water.

Following are some signs that may indicate your dog is suffering from heatstroke:

Listlessness
Increased heart rate
Excessive drooling
Excessive panting
Confusion
Disorientation

If your dog is exhibiting any of these signs than you need to immediately start cooling your dog down.  Do not use ice as this can cool your dog too fast and then they could go into shock.

Move your dog out of the heat and give them a drink of water.  You can use a hose or wet towels to cool your dog down.  Take your dog to the vets immediately and try to continue cooling dog with the wet towels.

Monitor your dog for signs of shock.  Signs of shock can be:

Bright red gums
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Collapse
Coma
Seizure

If your dog is showing signs of shock then stop the cooling process immediately and get them to a vet as quickly as possible.  Even if your dog seems to have recovered from the heatstroke some damage may have occurred and they should be checked out by a vet as soon as possible.

Heatstroke can be prevented.  Make sure you take the necessary steps for your canine companion.

Until next time

Maureen Brownell

                                  Dog Rescued From Hot Car