Mission Veterinary Clinic Rio Rancho NM

Just be careful about it...

⚠️ Heat Stroke Awareness ⚠️ Please Read ✅
❗️All dogs can suffer from heatstroke.
❗️Dogs don't cope as well as humans in the heat, because they only have sweat glands in their feet and around their noses.
❗️Because of this, they rely heavily on panting to keep themselves cool.
❗️Brachycephalic breeds (flat face breeds) are not able to pant effectively due to their anatomy.
❗️The breeds listed below are some Brachycephalic dog breeds that will have difficulty panting to cool down/lower their core temperatures, therefore, making them higher risk of overheating.
🐶 French Bulldogs
🐶 Bulldogs
🐶 Boston Terriers
🐶 Shih Tzus
🐶 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
🐶 Boxers
🐶 Pekinese
❗️Long nose breeds (Dolichocephalic breeds) can still suffer with heatstroke but they are able to pant more effectively to cool their core temperatures.
❗️Older and younger pets may not be able to self regulate their temperature as efficiently.
❗️Long hair breeds.
✅ Only walk your dogs in the cooler mornings or late evenings.
✅ Ensure fresh drinking water is available at all times.
✅ Test the concrete with the back of your hand. If you can't hold the back of your hand against the pavement for 5 seconds, then it's too hot for doggy paws.
✅ Provide cool mats for your pets to lie on.
✅ Frozen treats are great fun and practical in the heat.
‼️ If you think your pet has heat stroke, do not put them in an ice cold bath, it can cause the animal to go into shock.
Signs of Heatstroke:
❌ Heavy Panting
❌ Dark Gums or Tongue (Red/Purple)
❌ Excessive Salivation
❌ Weakness/Collapse
❌ Seizures