Dog Heat Stroke in Bichon Frises
Prevent Heat Stroke in Dogs
A dog heat stroke can occur when there is high heat, high humidity and poor air circulation.
Dog heat exhaustion and dog heat stress can occur rapidly, so it’s important to take steps to keep your dog cool when the weather is hot.
Some dogs, including Bichon Frises, are even more at risk than others.
It’s important to know if your dog is at risk and how to recognize the symptoms of dog heat stress.
Heavy panting can be a sign of dog heat stress.
What is Heat Stroke in Dogs?
Because dogs don’t have body cooling mechanisms like you, they are not able to sweat.
Dogs must cool themselves by panting, which allows cooler air to go to their lungs, where the body heat is dissipated. They also have blood vessels in the tongue and mouth that are cooled as a dog pants and his saliva evaporates.
Panting does not cool a dog very quickly, and a hot dog can quickly get into trouble.
Did you know that, during a heat stroke, a dog’s temperature can reach 109 degrees F (normally 101.5 degrees F).
A heat stroke can cause brain damage and the affected dog can die. So, we need to be very careful with our dogs when the air temperature rises.
High Risk Dogs
for Heat Stroke in Dogs
Some dogs are naturally more at risk than others. If you have one of the following, you’ll need to be especially careful to protect your dog:
- Old dogs
- Sick dogs
- Fat dogs
- Puppies
- Dogs with heavy coats (Bichon Frises)
- Small headed, short-nosed breeds (Boxer, Pekingese, Pug, Mastiff)
- High energy dog that keeps playing and running in the heat (Bichon Frises)
- Hunting dog or watch dog kept outside in the heat.
- Dogs with black hair (Dobermans, Rottweilers)
Canine Stroke Causes
When the weather gets hot, dogs are much more susceptible to heat stroke.
Canine heat strokes can occur simply because of a lack of air circulation.
Having a continuous flow of air (like the air from a fan) on a dog’s body helps to keep his temperature down. (Does your dog try to stick her head out the window of your car when it is moving?)
A canine heat stroke can even occur at 75 degrees F, if the air circulation in the room or car is poor.
When the weather is hotter than 80 degrees, dogs are at an even greater risk.
Does your dog have dog heat stroke symptoms like the ones below? Do you want to discuss your dog's symptoms with a Veterinarian?
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Signs and Symptoms
of Heat Strokes in Dogs
Dog heat stress, depending on how severe it becomes, has a number of symptoms.
Here are some of the warning signs for dog in heat stress:
- Heavy or loud panting
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Deep red or purple tongue and/or gums
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Glazed eyes
- A frightened or staring expression
How to Prevent Canine Heat Stroke
Fortunately there are ways to make sure that your dog does not suffer from a dog heat stroke. Here are some things that you can do:
When we suffer from the heat, so do our dogs. So, when the temperature rises, it’s important to keep your Bichon Frise in mind and to take steps to keep her safe and happy.
And, most of all, to prevent the tragedy of a dog heat stroke.
You might also like:
Dog Heat Stroke to Common Dog Health Problems
Dog Heat Stroke to Bichon Frise
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