What are the signs of heatstroke and parasites in dogs?
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In the summertime, it’s natural to worry about your canine companion getting too hot or picking up a nasty parasite. So, what are the signs of heatstroke and parasites in dogs? There are several ways to tell if your four-legged friend is unwell. Let’s look at the different signs, so you know what to do if you suspect your dog needs help or treatment.
Spotting heatstroke in dogs
Heatstroke can be life-threatening for dogs, resulting in organ failure and even death. If your dog is overweight, has a thick coat, or flat face (Pugs, French Bulldogs), then they’re at greater risk. It’s also worth keeping a watchful eye on older dogs, young puppies, or any dogs with pre-existing health conditions.
As dogs cannot sweat, they are less able to regulate their body temperature, which means they cannot cool down quickly. Dogs should never be left in a location exposed to heat. Even if it’s not too hot outside, they can still be at risk, especially if they have been exercising excessively in warmer temperatures. Find a cool, ventilated space for your dog to cool down.
The early signs of heatstroke in dogs include:
- Increased heart rate
- Panting, which can worsen and turn into noisy breathing
- Agitation, restlessness and pacing – they may be looking for shade
- Drooling, red gums or tongue
- Diarrhoea or vomiting
If your dog is in the advanced stages of heatstroke, they could appear confused, lethargic, week or even collapse and have seizures. Call your vet before there’s a risk of this occurring. Give them small sips of cool water and a gentle hosing down. Never use ice-cold water. This can affect their blood flow, causing your dog to shiver and their body to self-heat.
Spotting parasites on dogs
When your dog is frolicking outside in the sunshine, there’s always the risk they might pick up an unwanted parasite. If left untreated different types of parasites can make your dog ill.
Below are the different types of dog parasites:
- Fleas – the most common parasite and notoriously hard to see. Your dog may be excessively itching, scratching or grooming. Look for flea ‘dirt’ which is specks of dried blood.
- Ticks – these can spread Lyme disease in humans, so it’s important to keep a dog tick remover tool handy. Learn how to remove a tick – always twist, never lever out.
- Mites – there are different types of mites. Ear Mites can cause your dog to excessively scratch their ears. Harvest Mites can live in the ear flap and appear as tiny orange specks. Demodex lives in the fur and can cause hair loss.
- Lice – these are less common in dogs but can sometimes be found living in the ear flaps on spaniels.
- Fox Mange – this is a burrowing mite that will cause your dog to scratch until their skin is raw. Also known as scabies, it can be picked up by infected foxes and other dogs.
- Intestinal Worms – there are various types and causes. Tapeworms (ingested fleas), hookworms (infested fox or dog poop), lungworm (infected slugs or snails) whipworms and roundworms. There are vaccinations for some of these parasites.
Speak to your vet about ways to protect your dog from parasites, especially if you suspect that your dog might be infected.
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Sources:
https://www.rvc.ac.uk/small-animal-vet/teaching-and-research/fact-files/heatstroke-in-dogs-and-cats
https://www.608vets.com/pet-help-advice/dogs/32-canine-parasites