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How and why you need to keep dogs and especially bulldogs cool.

Tinsley the BulldogWe may or may not know you have to keep any dog, especially your bulldog from getting a heat stroke from exhaustion and sudden loss of air conditioning.

All dogs can be a potential victim of heat exhaustion. Although, the bulldog is especially prone because of their shorter breathing system which puts them at greater risk.  They have shorter airway. If you don’t believe me just check them out.  Google, Bulldogs.

Dogs don’t sweat.  The only means for a dog to reduce built-up body heat is by panting.

What can trigger heat stroke and exhaustion?

  • Leaving your bulldog in a car on a warm or hot day can leave to heat stroke and exhaustion.
  • Your air conditioning goes out at home or the power goes out in your home for a few days.

There are many variables in triggering a dog to experience heat exhaustion:

  • Age
  • Physical condition
  • Coat length
  • Climate

I always remember that no matter how young, active, and how well they breathe any dog is at risk from heat stroke.

What can I do if I think they might be over heating?

  • Take the dogs temperature.  A normal temperature is between 101-102 degrees.  If its 104 there is a good chance it is a heat stroke.
  • Place your dog in a tub of cool running water.  Be sure the cool water contacts the skin and doesn’t simply run off the coat.
  • Thoroughly wet the belly and inside the legs.
  • Take their temperature to know when it is possible to stop the cooling.   A safe temperature is below 103 degrees to stop the cooling.

Call your veterinarian or emergency vet immediately.  They can further instruction you on what to do especially if you don’t have the correct thermometer.

What are the signs of heat exhaustion or even heat stroke?

  • Excessive panting.
  • The skin on the inside of the ears becomes flushed and red.
  • Weakness
  • Staggering
  • Fainting
  • Loss of consciousness

What if it is heat exhaustion or even heat stroke?

Treat the dog first, and then call your veterinarian.  Don’t wait to decide if you should or should go to the vet.  Start treating immediately, and instruct someone to call the vet, while you are treating.

Do not force the dog to drink.  His airways maybe swollen and this may cause the dog to vomit and aspirate into their lungs.

None of this is a substitution for veterinarian care.  So please contact your veterinarian and/or emergency veterinarian immediately.

Bulldogs World, https://www.bulldogsworld.com/health-and-medical/heat-strokeexhaustion-bulldogs-and-sudden-loss-air-conditioning-information

 

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