Canine Heat Stress – And How to Treat It
There are typically two aspects of a dog’s behavior and life that determine their resistance levels to extreme temperatures – obesity and old age. Dogs that have a “pushed in” type of facial appearance normally have some respiratory issues anyway, but they become much more susceptible to the respiratory side effects of temperature extremes than dog’s that have a normal appearance. Remember first and foremost that dogs do not perspire like humans do, so they normally eliminate excess heat through their respiration – i.e. panting. Regarding the types of dogs that have a pushed in countenance, when they are left to roam about outside, they cannot endure long periods of direct exposure to sunlight and higher temperatures like the other breeds of dogs can. Leaving them exposed to these conditions will most likely result in them suffering with heat stress, especially if they are confined or restrained as in being left in a vehicle. Heat stress can become life-threatening, so be cautious. The
