Boppard. The fear that the dog collapses in the heat hits the heart – and it is justified. A heat stroke often develops faster than you think and can be life -threatening. The earlier you recognize and act the signs, the better the chances of the dog.
In contrast to humans, dogs can hardly regulate their body temperature by sweating, since they only have sweat glands on the paws and on the nose level. The main cooling takes place via panting, which, in high heat or effort, quickly reaches its limits and can lead to dangerous overheating. The normal body temperature in the dog is around 38 to 39 degrees; it rises significantly above (from about 40 to 41 degrees), counts every minute.
Early warning sign 
It is important to pay attention to early warning signs, such as strong panting, restlessness, glassy gaze, excessive saliva, warm ears, a dark red or pale-gross tongue and gums as well as a fast pulse. Weakness, tumbling, wide stainition, vomiting or diarrhea, sometimes with blood are also typical. In a later shock stage, the mucous membranes turn bluish, there are tremors, cramps, disorientation and finally unconsciousness, coma and, in the worst case, to death.
First measures
Bring the dog out of the sun in the shade or a cool, well -ventilated room. Loosen tightly sitting or losing off the collars or the best way to lose weight so that breathing remains free. Place the four -legged friend on a cool, not ice -cold surface and provide breeze – a fan can help. Do not leave the dog alone, a familiar caregiver is important for him in this situation.
Now cool carefully but consistently. In addition, cool to lukewarm water (not ice cold) Use and stomach, chest, neck, the thighs and the paws. The damp towels should be changed frequently or add air – a permanently wet, tight -fitting towel without air flow the heat builds up. A gentle water jet or a bowl of water to pour over is better than an ice -cold full bath. As soon as breathing and reaction calm down a bit, slightly reduce cooling to avoid “cooling”.
Offer small amounts of room warm water to the dog, but never force him to drink. No ice cubes, no milk and no sports or electrolyte drinks for humans- they can cause stomach problems or hinder cooling. Until it looks stable and a veterinarian gives the green light, also do not give food.
Even if the dog recovers: drive to the vet immediately! A heat stroke can damage organs delayed (e.g. kidneys, intestines) and trigger coagulation disorders, even if the symptoms initially subside. While driving a moderately cool further cool (wet, changed towels, draft), Keep the dog calm. Always control breathing and consciousness.
In no case
No ice -cold water or ice bath – this narrowed blood vessels in the skin and holds warmth in the body. Do not wrap the dog completely into wet, thick blankets, without air flow; Do not give medication such as pain or fever. No compulsory drinking and no muzzle that prevents panting. Do not wait, “whether it gets better on its own” and never leave in the standing car – even when the window is open, the temperature rises dramatically quickly and worsens the condition.
prevention
Place activities in the cool morning and evening hours, always offer shadows and fresh water, install breaks and avoid hot floors. Short-native breeds, overweight, very young, old or heart/lung disease dogs are particularly at risk-for them, reluctance is not luxury in the heat, but protection. A thermometer in the medicine pharmacy, a fan and know about these steps are the best tools so that the dog comes well through time with high temperatures. (SR)