I am the owner of an English bulldog, Churchill. I know this is a breed that is prone to heat stroke. What are the signs of heat stroke and what should I do if Churchill gets overheated?Dear Hillary –
Flat-faced pets such as bulldogs and Persian cats are more prone to overheating, although any pet can become a victim of heat stroke. On hot summer days, watch out for the following signs of overheating in pets: vigorous panting or difficulty breathing, thick, ropy saliva, froth coming from the mouth, weakness, and collapse. Pets with heat stroke can also suffer from seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.
WHAT TO DO |
• Move the pet indoors or into the shade.
• Direct a fan onto the pet.
• Place cool, but NOT cold, water on the legs and trunk. You can also use rubbing alcohol on the abdomen and the paw pads.
• Transport immediately to a veterinary facility.
Do not use cold water or ice for cooling and do not attempt to force your pet to drink water.
