Signs Your Dog is Overheating
As a dog’s temperature rises, blood rushes to the surfaces of the tongue, gums, and membranes to help transfer excess heat. Frantic panting, extreme salivation, bright-red membranes, and labored breathing are clear warning signs that your dog is overheated and may quickly progress to a metabolic meltdown as his temperature rises to over 106 F and he can no longer cool himself.
He may gasp for air, and the entire mouth will become grayish to purple because of the unmet oxygen demand. As he dehydrates, the saliva thickens, and he may vomit and have diarrhea. Unable to stand, he may have a seizure, become comatose, and die. Even if you can cool him and he acts normal, rush him to an emergency clinic because his organs may have already been damaged and death could follow.
Be Prepared
If traveling alone, carry two sets of car keys, so if you must stop you can lock the car with the air conditioner running for a short time (while keeping the window slightly open as a precaution).
If you think your dog is overheating, quickly move him to a cool place and immediately spray cool (not cold or icy) water on the coat, ensuring it reaches the skin. Cold water tends to constrict the surface blood vessels in the skin and this reduces, instead of increases, heat loss.
Use a fan to draw heat from the blood at the body surface, or fan the dog yourself if an electric fan is unavailable.
Wipe the face and muzzle with cool water, and as soon as possible take them to an emergency clinic. Remember, if you are sweating, your dog is already uncomfortable and must work much harder to cool down by panting.
Observe your dog carefully, and if you notice symptoms of overheating, don’t wait until it’s too late. Take precautions to prevent overheating, but if that fails, take immediate action to prevent a tragedy.
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