Signs of Overheating
Watch for warning signs, which include:
sluggishness
unresponsiveness
appearing disorientated
bright red gums, tongue, and/or eyes
excessive panting
high body temperature
noisy breathing (this may indicate an upper airway obstruction)
rapid heart rate
irregular heart beat
muscle tremors
wobbly, uncoordinated movement
Extreme signs of overheating include vomiting, which could eventually lead to collapse, seizure, or coma.
If your dog shows any signs of overheating, treat them as an emergency. Call your veterinarian immediately. Keep your dog cool with wet towels, cool water from a hose, or ice chips to chew, until you can get him to the vet. Be sure not to place ice on your dog's body, however, as this can actually hurt his skin.
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