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LIFE SAVINGS ACTIONS FOR WHEN YOUR BULLY BREED DOG OVERHEATS
Originally Featured on Medium
Bully breed dogs, such as American Bullies, are known for their strength, loyalty, and resilience. However, like any other dog, they are susceptible to overheating, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. As responsible pet owners, it is crucial to understand the signs of heat exhaustion and take immediate action to save our furry friends’ lives.
In this article, we will discuss what to do when a bully breed dog overheats and provide essential tips for preventing heat-related emergencies.
HEAT STRESS
Dog’s can suffer from heat stress in just a few short minutes, even when the temperature doesn’t seem that hot to us. You may have experienced those very hot days when every pore in your body oozes sweat. Sweating is a very effective cooling mechanism; the evaporation of the moisture on the surface of your skin cools your body.
But dogs don’t sweat the way we do, and their ability to cool off is much more limited. Dogs cool themselves primarily through the process of panting and breathing. When dogs pant, the air passing over the saliva in their mouths helps them cool. In addition, the lining of a dog’s lungs serves as an evaporative surface, much like our skin when we sweat. Blood vessels in the face, ears, and feet can also expand, helping to dispel heat from the body.
Dogs who get too hot can suffer from dehydration, heat cramps, or heat stress. If a dog’s body temperature rises past 104°, he’s in serious danger. If the body temperature continues to rise above 106°, heatstroke can occur.
SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION
Heat exhaustion occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises to dangerous levels, often due to excessive heat and inadequate cooling mechanisms.
THE SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION IN BULLY BREED DOGS:
1. Excessive panting and drooling
2. Rapid or irregular heartbeat
3. Weakness or lethargy
4. Vomiting or diarrhea
5. Bright red gums and tongue
6. Collapse or loss of consciousness
If a dog’s body temperature rises past 104°, he’s in serious danger. If the body temperature continues to rise above 106°, heatstroke can occur.
HEAT STROKE
Heatstroke is a life-threateningcondition that can cause lethargy, weakness, collapse, seizure, coma, brain damage, and even death. If the body temperature reaches 109°, his heart, brain, liver, and kidneys can shut down. It’s important to know the different types of heat strokes that dogs can face and what the symptoms are that you should look out for.
Fortunately, heatstroke can be prevented. And if caught early, in its initial stages, it is reversible. An overheated dog is, quite obviously, a medical emergency. Even if you are able to cool the dog down, you should seek medical treatment if you suspect your dog has suffered from heatstroke.
Problems associated with heatstroke — including kidney failure, respiratory arrest, abnormal heart rhythms, and seizures — do not always show up right away. Immediate veterinary treatment can help minimize the risks and save the dog’s life.
IMMEDIATE ACTIONS TO TAKE:
If you suspect your bully breed dog is experiencing heat exhaustion, it is crucial to act swiftly to prevent further complications. Here are the steps to take:
1. Move to a Cool Area: Immediately move your dog to a shaded or air-conditioned area away from direct sunlight. If possible, bring them indoors to a cool room.
2. Provide Fresh Water: Offer your dog cool, fresh water to drink. Do not force them to drink, but encourage them to take small sips. Avoid using ice-cold water, as it can cause shock.
3. Cool the Body: Use cool (not cold) water to wet your dog’s body, focusing on the head, neck, and belly. You can use a damp towel or spray bottle to apply the water. Avoid using ice or extremely cold water, as it can constrict blood vessels and hinder the cooling process, possibly sending them into shock.
4. Open Pores: In addition to sponging or hosing down your dog with cool — not cold water — while focusing on their underside, head, armpit, feet and belly area. Placing a cotton pad of rubbing alcohol on the pads of your dog’s feet will help open up their pores allowing them to sweat more — the only sweat glands a dog has are the tiny ones on the bottom of their paws.
5. Use Fans or Air Conditioning: Turn on fans or air conditioning to help circulate cool air around your dog. This aids in lowering their body temperature.
6. Contact a Veterinarian: Even if your dog appears to be recovering, it is crucial to seek veterinary assistance. Heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a severe and potentially fatal condition. A veterinarian can provide further guidance and ensure your dog receives appropriate medical attention.
If your bully breed dog goes into shock or collapses: you have minutes to render life-saving actions before it’s too late.
FIRST AID FOR HEATSTROKE
Heatstroke, or hyperthermia, is when the body’s temperature rises too high. It can cause the heart, liver, kidney, and brain to shut down. A dog who experiences heatstroke can go into shock and may suffer irreversible organ damage.
In spite of your best efforts, there may be a time when you will have to deal with heatstroke. Know the signs of an overheated dog; first aid and immediate medical treatment are essential and can help save your dog’s life.
SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE :
- Excessive panting
- Increased heart rate
- Confusion or disorientation
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Bright red gums
- Body temperature higher than 104° F
- Collapse, seizure, or coma
WHAT TO DO?
- Get your dog out of the heat immediately.
- Begin cooling your dog down. The easiest way to cool a dog is to wet him down. Use a hose or wet towels. Do not use ice. Covering them with a wet towel can actually heat them up as it acts as an insulating layer. Instead, lay down a wet towel or cooling mat for your pooch to lie on, or fill a paddling pool with cold water so they can cool their paws.
- Get your dog to the vet immediately. You can continue cooling him with wet towels on the way.
- If you cannot get to a veterinarian right away: monitor his temperature and check for signs of shock. Stop the cooling process when your dog’s temperature reaches 104° F. Do not continue cooling him or the body temperature could drop too low, increasing the risk of shock.
Even if you are successful at cooling him off, take him to the vet anyway. Many medical problems caused by heatstroke won’t show up right away. Veterinary treatment is critical.
PREVENTING HEAT RELATED EMERGENCIES
Prevention is key when it comes to heat-related emergencies. Here are some essential tips to keep your bully breed dog safe and cool during hot weather:
1. Provide Ample Shade: Ensure your dog has access to shaded areas, such as trees, umbrellas, or a covered patio, where they can seek relief from the sun.
2. Hydration is Vital: Always provide fresh, cool water for your dog to drink. Consider using a pet fountain or adding ice cubes to their water bowl to keep it cool.
3. Avoid Excessive Exercise: Limit strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. Opt for walks or playtime in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
4. Never Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car: Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can rise rapidly, leading to heatstroke. Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle.
5. Use Cooling Accessories: Consider using cooling mats, bandanas, or vests designed to help regulate your dog’s body temperature during hot weather.
Heat exhaustion can be a life-threatening condition for bully breed dogs and other breeds alike. Recognizing the signs and taking immediate action is crucial to saving their lives. By providing a cool environment, offering fresh water, and taking steps to lower their body temperature, you can help your dog recover from heat exhaustion.
Remember, prevention is key, so take proactive measures to keep your bully breed dog cool and comfortable during hot weather.
ABOUT VENOMLINE
Venomline Pocket Bullies is a prominent breeder and kennel specializing in the breeding of Pocket American Bullies, a smaller and more compact version of the American Bully breed. The kennel is known for producing dogs with a distinctive and visually striking appearance, often characterized by their muscular build, wide chest, and short, blocky heads.
Venomline Pocket Bullies gained widespread recognition for their commitment to producing high-quality, well-tempered, and healthy dogs that conform to the breed standard. They have a strong presence on social media platforms and have amassed a significant following of enthusiasts and supporters.
THE VENOMLINE BLOODLINE
Venomline Pocket Bullies has gained a reputation as the most desirable bloodline within the world of Pocket American Bullies. It’s important to note that opinions on what makes a bloodline desirable can vary among breed enthusiasts and may change over time.
Here are some factors that have contributed to Venomline’s popularity and reputation:
Distinctive Look: Venomline Pocket Bullies are known for their distinctive and visually striking appearance. They often exhibit the traits that many enthusiasts associate with the pocket bully category, including a compact size, muscular build, broad chest, and a characteristic “bullier” look with a short, blocky head and defined features.
Quality Breeding: Venomline Pocket Bullies is committed to responsible breeding practices, including careful selection of breeding pairs, genetic health testing, and attention to producing puppies that meet the breed’s standards. Their dedication to quality breeding contributes to producing dogs that embody the desired traits and characteristics.
Show Success: The bloodline’s success in conformation shows and competitions has contributed to its desirability. Show successes can demonstrate that the dogs are well-structured, have good temperaments, and meet the breed standards. Achievements in the show ring can reflect the quality of the bloodline.
Social Media Presence: Venomline Pocket Bullies has effectively utilized social media platforms to showcase their dogs, share updates, and engage with a wide audience of enthusiasts. Their strong online presence has helped spread awareness of their bloodline and has contributed to its popularity.
Consistency: A consistent and predictable outcome in terms of appearance, temperament, and characteristics is often a hallmark of a desirable bloodline. Venomline’s ability to produce dogs that consistently exhibit the desired traits has likely contributed to their reputation.
Influence on the Breed: Bloodlines that have had a notable impact on the development of a breed or have contributed to the establishment of certain breed standards tend to garner attention and admiration. Venomline Pocket Bullies’ influence on the pocket category contributes to it’s desirability.
It’s important to emphasize that the concept of a “desirable” bloodline is subjective and can vary based on individual preferences, breeding goals, and trends within the dog breeding community.
Additionally, the dog breeding landscape is dynamic, and reputations can evolve over time based on factors such as breeding practices, the quality of the dogs produced, and community feedback.
If you’re considering obtaining a dog from the Venomline bloodline or any other bloodline, it’s recommended to conduct thorough research, visit reputable breeders, and ensure that the breeder prioritizes the health, well-being, and ethical treatment of their dogs.
Always prioritize responsible and ethical breeding practices when seeking a new canine companion.
VENOMLINE LINKS
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