Heatstroke
When a human gets too hot, they sweat,but when dogs get hot they pant.A dog panting is an easy way for a dog to release heat. If the temperature rises and becomes too hot and humid the panting becomes ineffective. The normal temperature which is around 38.5c/101.4F. When a dog has heatstroke the temperature can rise to 41.6c/107F and over.Here are some signs of heatstroke,Panting excessively,Salivating,Anxious behaviour, Very rapid heart rate, Red gums which turn blue in extreme circumstances,and in very severe cases collapse, convulsions and shock.
What to do if you think your dog is suffering from heatstroke
Firstly phone your vet for advice,he can tell you how bad your dogs heatstroke is.You must try to reduce your dogs temperature immediately,by placing your dog in tepid water cooling him gradually,you could use a shower head for this.Next douse your dog in cool water,but DONT use ice cold water.You can use a fan to increase the air flow around your dog this will lower the temperature quicker. Let your dog drink water but in small quantities. You can continue to douse your dog with water until its breathing starts to settle again.One last thing DO NOT throw water over your dog.
