What is Heatstroke?
Heatstroke, also called Hyperthermia, is a time-sensitive medical emergency triggered by the body overheating. If untreated, this condition can lead to severe organ damage or even death. Just like humans, our furry friends are also at risk for Heatstroke, especially as we approach these sweltering summer months. To keep your pet safe, it’s important to be aware of the signs of Heatstroke and how to prevent it.
Are you feeling the heat?
Think of what it feels like to stand outside at the peak of summer. Now, imagine you’re also wearing a thick jacket you can’t escape—and you can’t sweat. It wouldn’t take long before your fun in the sun turns sour.
This is the unfortunate reality for many of our four-legged counterparts. Dogs can’t control their body temperature by sweating like humans do. They rely on panting. The inability to sweat, combined with a suffocating coat, means that your pup’s body temperature can skyrocket in a matter of minutes. Flat-faced breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs are at even greater risk, not to mention long-haired or overweight dogs.
Symptoms to look out for…
- Rapid breathing and ragged panting
- Dry or sticky gums
- Excessive drooling
- Disorientation or changes in behavior
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
If you notice your dog is exhibiting signs of Heatstroke, take them to the vet immediately.
Tips for keeping your pup safe and cool this summer:
- Boost Hydration with Bone Broth
When dogs pant, they release moisture into the air. This means that as the weather heats up, your pup can quickly become dehydrated. It’s essential to ensure your pet has access to cool, clean water at all times.
In addition to plain water, consider more flavorful, electrolyte-replenishing options such as bone broth. Brutus Bone Broth for dogs is our top pick of the litter. Here’s why:
- Keeps them hydrated: Encourages drinking with its delicious flavor — great for dogs that don’t drink enough water.
- Boosts appetite: Pour over dry food (might we suggest CUDDLY Salmon & Rice Dog Food? 🙂) to entice picky eaters, especially in the heat when dogs tend to eat less. High temps increase energy demands — nutrient-rich meals help them stay strong and energized.
- Makes a cool treat: Freeze into popsicles for a fun, hydrating snack that helps beat the summer heat. Check out our brothsicle recipe here!
- Rich source of electrolytes: Bone broth contains sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining hydration.
- Improves overall health: Full of amino acids and nutrients to support overall health during summer stress.
- Bump Up The AC
Believe it or not, dogs like air conditioning just as much as people do! Let your pup stay inside during the hottest parts of the day, or consider making an air-conditioned structure. Remember those flat-faced dog breeds we mentioned earlier? It’s especially difficult for them to breathe when the air is hot and humid. If you aren’t able to keep an eye on them while they’re outside, a safer option is to let them chill inside.
- Shake Up Your Schedule
If your dog is the outdoorsy type, just itching to run around and explore, try going on walks in the early morning before the concrete has a chance to turn your daily stroll into a not-so-fun game of the floor is lava. Or, you could aim for early evening walks right before the sun sets. That way, you and your pup can both stay cool in the summer heat.
Bonus tip! Beware of hot pavement. If the concrete is too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Look into dog shoes to protect your fuzzy friend’s delicate paw pads from sizzling concrete.
- Make A Splash
If your dog prefers to spend all their time outside rather than cooped up in the house, consider purchasing a shallow kiddie pool they can lounge in. This allows them a quick way to cool off as needed during the day. And if a pool day isn’t your dog’s style, no worries! Try out a cooling mat or an elevated dog bed that allows air to circulate underneath them, offering some much-needed relief from that stifling coat.
Bonus tip! If using a kiddie pool, be sure to dump out the water at the end of the day and refill it the next time your pup heads outside. Standing water is a breeding ground for Heartworm-carrying mosquitoes.
Summer should be a season of joy, not danger — and with a little extra care, it can be just that for your furry companion. By staying alert to the signs of heatstroke and making small but powerful changes like adjusting your walk schedule, keeping cool water on hand, and adding hydrating, nutritious options like Brutus Bone Broth and CUDDLY Food to their meals, you’re doing more than keeping your dog comfortable — you’re protecting their life. When the temperatures rise, let love (and smart planning) lead the way. Your dog will thank you with every tail wag.
