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Proper Treatment for Dogs with Heatstroke

1. Move the dog to a shaded and well-ventilated area

Dogs may suffer from heatstroke when the ambient temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius. Once you notice that your dog is suffering from heatstroke, the first thing you should do is move it to a shaded and well-ventilated area to rest. This will help lower its body temperature to some extent.

2. Allow the dog to drink plenty of water

Since a dog with heatstroke will be severely dehydrated, it's essential to let it drink plenty of water promptly. It's better to give it room-temperature water instead of cold water, which could be too harsh for its stomach. You can also use cold water to slowly drench the dog, helping it cool down faster. Just make sure the water temperature isn't too low.

3. Wipe the dog with alcohol

Dogs primarily cool themselves through their paws and tongues, and alcohol has a good cooling effect. You can use alcohol to wipe the dog's body, especially its ears, paws, and groin area, which will help lower its temperature. If conditions permit, you can also use a fan or air conditioning to aid the dog's cooling.

4. Seek medical attention promptly

If the dog's heatstroke is severe, it may exhibit symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coma, and a sharp increase in body temperature to 41-42°C. In this case, immediately take the dog to a pet hospital for treatment. Otherwise, the dog might die.

Note: When raising dogs, ensure that they are in a suitable environment. It's not recommended to take dogs outdoors in the afternoon during summer. Severe heatstroke can be fatal.