As the warmer weather approaches, it is important to keep an eye out for signs of heat stroke in your dog. It can be common in dogs when the weather is very hot. You want to watch for excessive panting and signs of distress, they both may indicate overheating.

What to Do

You may want to move your pet to a shaded area, or a cooler environment. You can place cool, wet towels around the neck, the groin area and the armpits. You can also wet the paws and ear flaps. Blowing cold air on the wetted areas can speed the cooling process as well. And most importantly, you want to go to the closest veterinarian near you as soon as possible.

What Not to Do

You can offer your dog water, but do not force him to drink. Always keep an eye on your pets, do not leave them unattended!

Written by Ashley Atkinson, Veterinary Technician