By Jeff Nenadic

There are typically two aspects of a dog’s behavior and life that determine their resistance levels to extreme temperatures – obesity and old age. Dogs that have a “pushed in” type of facial appearance normally have some respiratory issues anyway, but they become much more susceptible to the respiratory side effects of temperature extremes than dog’s that have a normal appearance.

Remember first and foremost that dogs do not perspire like humans do, so they normally eliminate excess heat through their respiration – i.e. panting. Regarding the types of dogs that have a pushed in countenance, when they are left to roam about outside, they cannot endure long periods of direct exposure to sunlight and higher temperatures like the other breeds of dogs can. Leaving them exposed to these conditions will most likely result in them suffering with heat stress, especially if they are confined or restrained as in being left in a vehicle.

Heat stress can become life-threatening, so be cautious. The following signs are clear indicators that your dog is beset with this condition:

* a dazed look

* a hot and dry tongue

* a rapid heartbeat

* may lapse into unconsciousness

* red mucous membranes in the mouth

* very dry skin

Prolonged periods of exposure to high temperatures will oftentimes result in the dog’s body temperature not returning to the normal level and there is a greater likelihood that they can also suffer irreversible damage.

You cannot delay with this issue if you have determined that they are suffering with heat stress – it can be deadly and that cannot be stressed enough! The best immediate option is to bring the dog indoors to a cooler environment in the hopes of their body temperature attempting to return to its normal level. Call your vet immediately after you have brought the dog indoors.

If there is a considerable distance that you will have to travel, then get some instructions over the telephone so that you can begin treating the dog at home. This will assist you in stabilizing the dog so that you can get them in your vehicle and transport them to the veterinarian. The ability to contact your vet combined with the distance to their facility will determine whether or not you need to begin remedial treatment on your own.

Your first remedial step would be to immerse the dog’s body in cold water in order to begin the temperature lowering process taking care to prevent the dog from collapsing in the water. Stimulate the flow of cooling blood to their brain and heart by extending the legs and massaging their skin. If you can, check their temperature rectally ever 10-15 minutes so you can see if their body temperature is dropping. It should drop continually but be careful that it doesn’t fall below 103 °F (39.4 °C).

Once the temperature has rescinded to a normal level, remove the dog from the cold water, dry them off, and then continue checking their temperature every 10-15 minutes for the next 45 minutes to an hour. Their temperature should not rise again, but if it should, then re-immerse the animal and attempt to contact the vet.

About the Author: Written by Jeff Nenadic from

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