Heat Exhaustion

To ensure your furry friends stay safe while exercising outdoors, here are some essential tips:

Proper Cooldown:

For every 5 minutes of active play outside (anything more than a slow walk), provide your dog with 5 minutes of cool down time. This involves enforced resting in a shady area and offering cool water for them to drink. Remember that a dog's primary way of cooling down is through their paw pads. Even when playing on grass, if it's in direct sunlight, it can become too warm for them to cool off effectively.

Recognizing the Signs of Heat Exhaustion:

• Ladle Tongue when Panting: A hot dog sticks out their tongue to act as a radiator for evaporating water, which helps cool down their body temperature. Prolonged panting can indicate that a dog is trying to regulate their body temperature.
• Pacing: When the ground is too hot, dogs may pace back and forth to find cooler spots for their paws.
• Severe Signs: Watch out for vomiting, diarrhea, bulging eyes, dizziness, or an unsteady gait. These are indications of severe heat exhaustion and require immediate attention.

If you notice any signs of heat exhaustion in your dog:

• Find a cool spot: Get your dog to a cooler location immediately.
• Use cool towels: Place cool/damp towels along the underside (groin, stomach, armpits) to help lower their body temperature.
• Offer cool water: Make sure your dog has access to fresh, cool water to rehydrate.
• Call our emergency line at 763-331-3000 x3 for guidance and support.

Let's prioritize our pets' safety and well-being during these hot days. By following these guidelines, we can ensure that our beloved companions can enjoy outdoor activities without risking their health.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our Puppy Program staff.