<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJust as we humans need haircuts, some dogs do too. If your hair gets too long and shaggy, it becomes irritating, cumbersome, and hot. The same is true for certain dog breeds. Haircuts for dogs might seem weird and unnecessary, but they can help the dog regulate its temperature and avoid heat stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bonus presents itself during shedding season as well. That being said, do not give the dog a skin fade. You need to leave at least an inch or more of fur or hair in order to protect your dog from sunburn and allow their coat to grow to a reasonable, insulating length before winter sets in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dogs with long, dark fur can also be more susceptible to heat stroke. If you wear a dark shirt on a very hot day, you will quickly notice that you heat up quicker and remain hot longer than if you wear lighter clothing. This is because dark colors do not reflect the light as well, and the principle is the same for dog fur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your dog has dark fur, then you need to pay close attention to the weather, how your dog behaves in the heat and your dog\u2019s water intake. Dogs cannot vent heat in the same way as humans and will overheat quickly if they are not able to cool off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Monitor the Weather<\/h3>\n\n\n\n All the preparation in the world does not help if you do not also pay attention to the weather. If it is 100 degrees Fahrenheit (about 37.8 degrees Celsius) and humid, then it is not the best day to take your dog out for a walk, even to the beach. Taking your dog out on a hot day is fine, but pay attention to the weather and other conditions to make sure the dog stays safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, there might be times where the dog is going crazy shut in the house, or your air conditioning might not be working as well, and in those cases, you should seek out a place like a river or a lake. Just watch out for the stones and sand that are in the direct sun, as they will burn your feet and your dog\u2019s paws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even gray, muggy days can be dangerous, as the heavy air is more difficult to breathe and will mean you both have to work harder to breathe the same amount of air. Even if the sun is not blazing, you need to be careful as heat stroke can still happen under these conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generally speaking, pay attention to the weather, and pay attention to your dog, and you should be okay in most normal temperature ranges. This depends on where you live, however. A dog that has lived in Arizona all its life will cope with the heat better than a dog that was raised in Winnipeg, where high temperatures are unlikely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clothing to Prevent Heat Stroke<\/h3>\n\n\n\n There are various items of pet clothing to keep the heat and sun off of your dog: hats, shirts, cooling vests, etc., along with small booties for their paws. The booties are especially important if you live in the city, where there is not much grass and the sidewalks are superheated by the sun. Booties protect their paws from getting burned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sun hats for your dog keep the sun off of their heads which, since dogs cool down by panting, is important. Keeping the direct sunlight off of their heads means dogs can cool themselves more effectively on hot days and so avoid heat stroke more easily. Of course, some convincing may be required to get the dog to wear the hat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A dog shirt, especially a light-colored shirt, will do a pretty good job of keeping them from getting sunburned or getting too hot on walks. They also work at the beach to keep the sun off, and many are UPF infused to keep the UV rays from causing skin problems, important for dogs with lighter skin or thinner fur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, cool vests are a little more extreme but useful on hot days. Some work through evaporation, where you soak the vest before putting it on the dog, and then it cools your pet through evaporation. Others have a cooling ice pack in them to provide cooling for a little longer. If they work for the military and law enforcement, they should work for a dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Do Veterinarians Treat Heat Stroke In Dogs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you think your dog has heat stroke, you should take it to the vet immediately. The treatment that the vet will give your dog may look a bit different from cool water and shade, but it is not difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think your dog has heat stroke and you catch it in an early stage, then you have probably avoided serious damage. You should still go to the vet regardless, as there could be other problems you might not see. This may seem like overkill, but it is the safer option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Long-Term Effects of Heat Stroke in Dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nJust because your dog appears to be fine after you have successfully cooled them off and got them to rest does not mean there will not be lasting effects if you are unlucky. Long-term effects of heat stroke in dogs can include permanent damage to the:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nHeart<\/li>\n\n\n\n Lungs<\/li>\n\n\n\n Liver<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThis does not mean your dog will have these effects, just that it is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having heat stroke once actually makes it easier for the dog to catch it again. Their bodies are more susceptible to heat stroke, so it is vitally important that they do not get heat stroke in the first place. Still, dogs with severe heat stroke can require special medication afterward to combat the long-term effects they may suffer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treating Heat Stroke in Dogs at Home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nTreating heat stroke at home is simple and will be quicker, as you will have access to the things you need. However, even after performing these treatment methods, you should still take your dog to the vet if you suspect they have had heatstroke, just for an expert eye and opinion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first and most important is to get the dog out of the sun and move them into the shade or in the house. If they have heatstroke or the beginnings of it, they will be panting heavily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n