Pet Skin Doctor

Dogs, like their owners, need to stay cool on hot summer days. As the owner however, it’s easy to tell when you’re becoming too hot.  A visible sweat secretes out of our skin and glands. For dogs, it’s not that simple. They can become overheated more quickly than their owners. Although dogs do secrete “perspiration” from their paws, it does not cool them down properly. Dogs use panting to remove excess heat from their bodies. Panting can also be caused by anxiety, fear or excitement.  Although panting is normal, excessive panting can mean a deeper problem, such as heat exhaustion or stoke.

It’s important to watch carefully for signs of overheating.  An overheated dog may appear weak, unresponsive and confused. Areas around the mouth may also appear bright red. Soon, the dog may collapse, seizure and/or become commatose. If your dog starts to show any of these signs during a hot day in the sun, try cooling your pet with cool water and wet towels during the drive to the vet.  Too much sun can cause dog skin conditions including skin cancer.  Monitor your dog’s sun exposure. You can apply specialized sunscreen to prevent future sun burns or cancer. Remember, if you feel too hot, chances are your pet is feeling it worse.