My dog feels very warm could she be sunburnt? ...She's ok otherwise?

Question

my dog feels warm to touch and I know dogs heart rates run alot faster than humans but i have never noticed it before and we spend alot of time together. i did get sunburnt the other day but she always moves into the shade when she's too hot. its summer here right now so i am wondering if she is maybe sunburnt? i'll keep her out of the sun and see if she gets any cooler over next few days ...I cant afford a vet everytime something minor occurs to all you who earn points by simply saying take her to the vet!!! :P

Answer 1

Dogs can feel warm at times even when we don't, although most short-haired dogs tend to be cold when we are, and warm when we are. A few simple questions: Is the dog's nose moist or dry? A dry nose in a dog can indicate several things, but typically they are fairly easy to deal with. First, always make sure he/she has FRESH water...if your dog won't drink from the bowl, try taking a few drops on your fingers and see if the dog will lick the water off. Sometimes putting a piece of ice in your hand and letting them lick that will help. If they are willing to drink small amounts of water, they may just have eaten something that disagrees with them. Another question is: is your dog panting? Dog's don't sweat like humans; panting is their way of releasing excess body heat. For summertime, I always purchase a couple of kiddie pools (I put them together, so their nails don't cut through both layers of plastic and cause leaks. Many dogs like to sunbathe, and will do so frequently, but then find a cooler place (like under a bed, near a fan, or in their own pool) when it gets too hot for them. And if your dog has been playing in the grass, always watch to see if they eat any grass. This can cause them to foam at the mouth and regurgitate it at times. Even a simple bellyache can cause a dog to feel under the weather. Dogs can be given Pepto-Bismol in small doses if necessary, and even Benedryl (if allergies are considered), although the latter doesn't seem to work as well on dogs as it does on people. Check your dog carefully for spider or insect bites that may have injected poison. Caught quickly enough, several treatments of triple antibiotic daily can relieve the situation. If your dog is showing signs of pain (even an older dog won't always seem to be in a lot of pain, so close attention must be paid!), the vet has medications that will ease the pain and irritation of arthritis. I have given my eleven year old Boston ibuprofen in small doses all her life without any side affects. A simple bath in lukewarm water, followed by lots of cuddling may help may your dog feel more comfortable as well. If none of these seem to help, write back with any further health indicators you can think of. Maybe myself or someone more knowledgeable can help avoid a vet bill and keep your pet safe and healthy.

Answer 2

The gauge is her nose. If her nose is dry or warm and dry she has a temp. If it is wet or dry but not hot she is probably ok too. I would just make sure she is drinking and not dehydrated. Then you can give a dog baby asprin, depending on weight. Only a half for a wee dog and a whole for one over 20 lbs. Two for a 80-100 lb. that will take the temp down. but if the nose is wet or cool she is not feverish. Also, you can use wet cool compresses on dogs, areound the face and tummy is best. Make sure the fluid intake is ok and keep her inside for a few days to keep an eye on her. I think a dog's temp is over 100...I forget the number so you are right on that.

Answer 3

dog temps do run a little higher than humans naturally. and its possible she got a sunburn. especially if she has thing, fin fur, like a dalmation, or is lightly coloured. its also possible she could get a minor doggie cold. in my experience, with my own dogs, i wouldnt worry about it unless she starts vomiting uncontrollably or goes into convulsions, anything like that obviously needs medical attention. whatevers up with her for now will probably pass with some quiet time with lots of water and love.

Answer 4

Dog temperatures run higher naturally. It could be that you are feeling this difference. I would recommend that you offer your dog plenty of cool, clean water. She should recover. If you notice any abnormal behavior then it is more serious and you chould consult a vet.

Good Luck