Signs of a Dehydrated Dog

•  Eyes are sunken in

•  Nose dry and chapped

•  Dry mouth and gums with thick saliva

•  Excessive panting

•  Vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite

•  Wobbly and unsteady on feet

•  Urine can be very dark and/or concentrated in color

•  Skin is parched and lacking elasticity

•  Back is warm to the touch

•  Seems lethargic or visibly tired

Hot Asphalt Test

By pressing the back of your hand firmly against the asphalt where your puppy will walk for 7 seconds, you will find out if you can stand it.  If you can stand that, he/she will be okay to stand on it.

Signs of Heatstroke

•  Puppy has a dazed, confused, or anxious expression

•  Starts salivating or whining

•  Heavy panting, vomiting, and gums are brick red

•  Increased heart rate

•  Puppy starts to collapse, stumble, or fall down.  Laying down and is very reluctant to get up.

•  Diarrhea and increased rectal temperature

•  Body is warm to touch

•  Puppy is having seizures

Heatstroke Can lead to:

•  Brain damage

•  Kidney damage or failure

•  Muscle damage

•  Liver failure

•  Bleeding/clotting

•  Lung damage

•  Bloody diarrhea

•  Seizures

•  Death

How to help your puppy during the Hot seasons.

•  Never leave your pet in your car, even in the shade with your windows cracked.

•  Use air conditioning to keep the dog’s environment cool or at least fans to create air circulation.

•  Limit walks to dawn since the asphalt heats up over the day.

•  Have access to cool, fresh water.  When you go on walks or to the dog park bring a bottle of water or two for your puppy.

What to do if you think your puppy is overheated?

•  Spend no more than 5 minutes wetting down your puppy with cool water.

•  Do not take a wait and see approach, seek treatment immediately.