By Ron Aaron
Special to the Herald

As hot weather slams into South Texas, dog owners should know their pets are at great risk for heat stroke if left to play or exercise outside for too long on hot, humid days. In fact, dogs are at greater risk for heat stroke than humans.

What many owners may not know is that heat stroke can kill. But owners can protect their dogs if they know the signs of heat stroke and the steps they can take to prevent it.

Heat stroke results when dogs (and humans) cannot dissipate heat building up in their bodies. Dogs are at greater risk because they don’t sweat the way humans do. The only sweat glands dogs have are in their paws, which don’t produce enough sweat to cool their bodies.

Most dogs are also covered with fur which locks in body heat. Large and overweight dogs at greater risk than others for heat stroke. French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers and other dogs with short muzzles are at even greater risk for heat stroke.

Normal body temperature for a dog is 101.1° to 102.5° F. Overheating occurs when a dog’s body temperature tops 104 degrees. At 106, heat stroke is imminent.

This is a medical emergency. Some warning signs that your dog may be suffering from heat stroke include: Pupils dilated; rapid panting; tacky, pale gums; thick, sticky saliva; diarrhea, vomiting; is staggering, weak; collapses or is unconscious.

If your dog appears to be suffering from heat stroke owners must act immediately:

• Take the dog’s temperature using a rectal thermometer.

• Immediately move the dog to a cool, shady place or indoors.

• Allow the dog to drink water and lay down in water or on wet ground.

• Spray dog with cool water, especially on back, feet and belly.

• Keep taking the dog’s temperature until it is under 103° F, and then dry the dog off.

• Seek veterinary medical care.

Better to avoid heat stroke then to have to treat it. These are some things owners can do to protect their dogs:

• Always provide fresh water.

• For outside dogs, provide a wading pool and shade at all times.

• Never chain a dog to a stake or tree; the chain will wrap around the stake or tree preventing access to water.

• Restrict outdoor exercise; better to walk the dog in the morning or evening.

• Never leave a dog in a parked car. Even with the windows cracked open, a car will quickly reach temperatures more than 40 degrees higher than the outdoor temperature. For example, if it’s 80 degrees outdoors, a car will reach 120 degrees in mere minutes.

If owners pay attention to their dogs, they both can safely enjoy summer playtime while reducing the risk of heat stroke.

Ron Aaron is executive director of the Animal Defense League of Texas. For more information on dogs and dog safety, check out: www.adltexas.org.