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First Aid for Dogs with Heatstroke

You must first lower their temperature. Before taking your dog to a veterinarian or taking any other action, the sooner you lower your dog's temperature, the more likely they are to recover from heatstroke. The first step in lowering the temperature is to bring them into a cooler area.

  1. The primary task is to lower the dog's temperature
  • (1) You must first lower their temperature. Complete this before taking them to a veterinarian or taking any other action. The faster you lower your dog's temperature, the more they can recover from heatstroke. The first step in lowering the temperature is to bring them into a cooler area.
  • (2) Entering an air-conditioned room is ideal. Rinsing your dog with cool water also helps lower their temperature.
  • (3) Remember: Do not use ice water, only cool or room temperature water, as ice water can make your dog uncomfortable.
  • (4) Give your dog a small amount of water, as it can help them replenish lost moisture. Placing a cooling fan near your dog will also help lower their temperature. If your dog becomes unconscious, do not force them to drink water or force them to drink. Avoid giving too much water, as water intoxication can be dangerous for dogs.
  • (5) Once your small dog's temperature returns to below 39 degrees Celsius, stop cooling efforts.

Conclusion: Once your dog has heatstroke, your primary task should be to lower their temperature.

2. Measure your dog's temperature every 5 minutes

Continue measuring your dog's temperature after their temperature has returned to normal, as it may rise again after cooling. Use a digital thermometer to measure your dog's temperature, which is simpler and more convenient than traditional methods.

Conclusion: Monitoring your dog's temperature is essential when you suspect they have heatstroke.

3. Take your dog to a veterinarian

  • (1) After taking the first step to handle your dog's heatstroke, take them to a veterinarian once their temperature falls below 39°C. On the way to the veterinarian, turn on the car's air conditioning and open the windows, or prepare a small fan to help your dog cool down.
  • (2) Even if your dog's heatstroke symptoms seem mild, or if they appear completely fine after cooling down, you should still take them to a veterinarian. Heatstroke in dogs can cause invisible problems, such as brain swelling, kidney failure, and blood clotting.
  • (3) Veterinarians usually treat heatstroke in dogs with intravenous fluids to replenish lost nutrients and minerals.

4. Care for your dog after heatstroke

Preventing heatstroke in dogs is easier than treating it. Understand any factors that may make your dog more susceptible to this disease, such as breed, activity level, age, and weight, and use this information to be extra cautious. When temperatures are high, use products that allow your dog to cool down more easily, such as dog cooling pads.