The last couple of days I have been taking my dog out for walks. They have been short maybe ten minutes, but she has been panting heavy, and her nose has been warm to the touch. I know they pant to cool off but is she panting to much. I don't want to hurt her. Thanks for the help.
2006-07-31 15:43:27 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
We only walk late at night. Well after 9. The sun has already gone down. She isn't getting sick, either she just seems warm.
2006-07-31 15:50:36 · update #1
First indication.. you know how usually a dogs nose is wet. If they're overheated, their nose will actually be dry for once, and their mouth is probably dry. Heart rate is rapid, breathing is heavy.
Gums will change color. Instead of the typical healthy color, they'll turn dull grey/pink or red.
They can overheat without these conditions of course.. this is only an indication that have already overheated.
The problem is that they don't communicate to us like we do with each other. So when they get to this point and show any of these signs, it's sooooo not a good thing. It's actually to the point of you should probably be calling the vet with an emergency call.
In my opinion, dogs are like us humans with water. If we feel thirsty, then we are actually dehydrated. Everybody is dehydrated most of the time.
Dog needs constant water. When going on a walk, we ALWAYS bring a water bottle. Our 30 lb dog can easily drink a quart (hot outside or not) within a two mile walk. Just depends on the day, circumstances, etc.
And it depends on the dog. young/old and by breed. We don't take our dog outside for walks if it's 80 degrees out. We play with her inside with the a/c on.
You just have to use your own common sense. If they're panting like a sob, and gasping for a breath.. then a person probably has pushed them just a bit too far.
I try to imagine myself with a fur coat on and going outside in the 80 degree weather.. yuk! Poor critters :)
And I also gotta remind myself , water itself doesn't help the dog cool off.. only the coldness .. as in being submerged in water. If you spritz the dog with water, this isn't actually cooling it off unless there's a wind or the dog is inside where it is cool.
OH! ANOTHER THING. I almost forgot.. our dog .. she LOVES ice cubes.. and that helps them cool off. We give them to her for treats at night sometimes.. if it's too late for a full bowl of water. :)
2006-07-31 16:03:37 · answer #1 · answered by game buddee 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you are really concerened, i would talk with the vet. Many of the suggestion already on this page sound right to help prevent overheating.
But, this time of the year it is normal for a dog to pant heavier, they are working harder to keep their bodies right. With this in mind, maybe shortening your walks would help. It's sounds like the time is almost the best you can get, but it is prolly still very humid. Maybe two shorter walks, one in the am and on in the pm. Believe me, it may seem like less exercise, but that is not true in this weather for the dog.
Example, In cooler weather, my dog and i would hang out for an hour easy at the dog park. Now in this hot humid mess, we are there maybe 30 minutes sometimes only 15. She comes hoe just as wore out as she did when it was cooler.
2006-08-01 00:48:42 · answer #2 · answered by OKA 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When dogs overheat, they will sometimes pant with their tongue way out the side of their mouth vs. normal panting with their tongue coming straight out of their mouth. This is only one sign. Regardless, I really cut back on the amount of time I walk my dog in the hot summer months. Hope this helps.
Also, not sure what kind of dog you have have, but does she like water? I have a little kiddy pool (from Target) in the backyard for my Chocolate Lab. She gets in after walks. There is nothing that will cool them down faster than this.
2006-07-31 23:48:11 · answer #3 · answered by gms1616 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually, a warm nose is a sign that the dog isn't feeling well. If she starts acting lathargic, that is an indication if being overheated. If at any point she has a seizure, then that is indicitive of heat stroke. Make sure she has plenty of water before and after her nightly walks.
2006-08-01 02:47:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take them for walks in the early morning and late evening before the sun goes down. Make sure they are very hydrated during the summer. If she is acting a little weird like you described, throwing up, not eating, etc...you may want to call your vet.
2006-07-31 22:49:05 · answer #5 · answered by Spiral Out 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when its humid it is harder to breath. try not walking till after the weather cools off. maybe your dog has asthma? sometimes it helps to hose the dog down before the walk? good luck.
2006-07-31 22:54:18 · answer #6 · answered by sillygoose 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK, it is WAY too hot for walks!!!!!!! Just out to potty and then back in!!!!!!!!! Heavy panting is a first sign!!
2006-07-31 22:47:26 · answer #7 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my suggestion, and wat i do with my pup is I got the glad bowls, u knw the plastic ones and a water bottle like one i used the other fill it up put in the fridge and take ur water wiht u ,sum in the bowl with lid on and sum in the bottle and make sure she has water!!!!!!!! thats abotut all u could do if ur not walkin very long
2006-07-31 23:00:33 · answer #8 · answered by Tiffany P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋