SCOURGING heat can be fatal to humans, but what more for some dogs chained or locked under the sun.

​Don’t let heatstroke happen to your pet. Dogs don’t sweat so they are susceptible to this condition and dehydration especially when exposed to sun or heat for longer period.

​Dogs have sweat glands only on their feet and not on the rest of their body. When they feel hot, they just pant to excess out heat and cool their bodies. Always check their water bowl to avoid dehydration.

​Signs of dehydration are shown on their nose. Dogs’ nose is usually cold and wet. If it is dry, your dog is mildly dehydrated.

​Check also their gums. The gums should be wet, like the nose. If they feel sticky and somewhat dry, meaning the dog is not producing enough saliva, the dog needs a drink.

​Consult first your veterinarian if you will give your dog Pedialyte or Gatorade to replenish their electrolytes.

​Yu can also check other symptoms of dehydration like sunken eyes, the dog is lethargic, he loses appetite, and he looks depress.

​Signs of heatstroke on dogs include:

​* Rapid heavy panting, drooling, petechiae (pinpoint, deep-red hemorrhages on gums/skin), bright red mucous membranes on the gums and conjunctiva of the eyes, hyperventilation (gasping for air), salivation early then dry gums as heat prostration sets in, staring, glassy eyes, anxious expression, refusal to obey commands, warm, dry skin, fever, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, collapse and seizures.

​Check also your dog’s skin at the back of his neck by lifting it. It should immediately return to a normal position if the dog is hydrated. Often, the signs of dehydration are not obvious, and only a veterinarian can provide proper diagnosis and treatment.

​Always provide a shady spot for your dog. As the sun shifts, so does the shade. Trees may not provide the proper shade all day long.

​Prevention of heatstroke relies heavily on owner education. But you can prevent heatstroke by:

* Ensuring availability of adequate shade and drinking water outdoors

* Exercising dogs only during cooler periods of the day;

* Not leaving dogs alone in closed vehicles;

* Acclimating dogs to warm temperatures for up to two months.