Hyperthermia or “Heat stroke” requires immediate treatment. It is usually caused by over exposure to the sun, resulting in an increase in body temperature.  Dogs don’t tolerate high temperatures as well as humans.They depend upon rapid breathing (panting) to exchange warm air for cool air.  Accordingly, when air temperature is close to body temperature, cooling by rapid breathing is not an efficient process. Common situations that cause heat stroke in dogs are:

• Being left in a hot car.

• Being confined on concrete without water and/or shade in hot weather.

• Being a short-nosed breed, i.e., Bulldog or Pug.

• Suffering from some health conditions.

Some Signs of Heat Stroke (can happen fast):

Rapid breathing, excessive drooling, tongue and mucus membranes are bright red, head may be hot to touch, dog may colapse or may vomit.  Its rectal temperature is high, sometimes over 106 degrees F.  If the condition is allowed to go unchecked, the dog becomes unsteady and may stagger, becoming progressively weaker and could have diarrhea.  Advanced stages include Coma and Death.  Call your veterinarian right away if you suspect heat stroke!

Want to keep your pup cool this summer?

Try these little pupcicles....

PEANUTTY  PUPCICLES

 1 ripe banana

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup wheat germ

1/4 cup chopped unsalted peanuts (optional)

In a small bowl, mash banana and peanut butter together using a fork.  Mix in wheat germ.  Place mixture in refrigerator for about an hour until firm.

With your hands, roll rounded teaspoonful of mixture into balls.  Roll balls in peanuts, coating them evenly.  Place on cookie sheet in freezer.  When completely frozen, pack into an airtight container and store in freezer.

You can also use this recipe to fill a Kong or marrow bone for your dog!