Is Your Cavoodle at Risk of Heat Stroke? Here's How to Keep Them Safe!

Once your Cavoodle starts showing signs of heat stroke, the heat index is likely over 30°C (86°F) with high humidity. For our Cavoodles, this combination of heat and moisture can be life-threatening. Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat to cool themselves; instead, they rely on panting, which becomes ineffective in warm and heavy air.

Image reference: Heat Stroke in Dogs (what you need to know

 

What is Heat Stroke, and Why Are Cavoodles at Risk?

Heat stroke occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises to dangerous levels, usually above 40°C (104°F). Cavoodles are prone to overheating because they lack sweat glands and rely on panting to regulate their body temperature.

More reasons why our Cavoodles are prone to heat:

• Curly and Fluffy Coats: Their thick fur can trap heat, making it harder to cool down.
• Highly Energetic: Since our Cavoodles are highly playful and active it can lead to overexertion in warm conditions.
• Companion Behaviour: They often stay close to their owners, even in uncomfortable environments, which could expose them to prolonged heat.

 

What are the symptoms of heat stroke?

To take action before it's too late, it's critical to recognise the early warning signs of heat stroke. Watch out for:

1. Drooling and Panting Too Much: Dogs naturally pant to cool themselves, but excessive, fast panting coupled with drooling indicates distress.
2. Weakness and Lethargy: When under heat stress, a dog may exhibit weariness, including a reluctance to move.
3. Having diarrhoea or vomiting: Your Cavoodle may develop gastrointestinal problems, like as bloody diarrhoea, as the illness progresses.
4. Elevated Body Temperature: The typical range of a dog's body temperature is 38.5°C to 39.5°C (101°F to 103°F). Anything over 40°C (104°F) is a medical emergency, therefore use a thermometer if you think you could be overheated.

How can Cavoodles avoid heat stroke?

Image reference: When is it too hot to walk a dog?

 

It's always better to prevent than to treat. The risk of heat stroke can be reduced by taking these preventative steps:

1. Take a stroll during the cooler hours.
   Don't take your Cavoodle outside when it's the hottest outside. The safest times are in the early morning (before 8 a.m.) or late evening (after 6 p.m.). When possible, stay on paths that are shaded. If its too hot to touch the footpath than its too hot to take your cavoodle for a walk.
2. Make sure they stay hydrated.
   When you're outside, always have water with you, and make sure your dog drinks often. For convenience, think about pet-friendly water bottles or collapsible water dishes.
3. Offer Cooling Choices
   Make use of dog jackets or cooling mats. Whether indoors or out, make sure kids have access to areas with shade. To improve airflow, install fans or air conditioning.
4. Keep an eye on playtime
   Cavoodles with lots of energy might not be aware that they are overheated. During warm weather, avoid strenuous activities like fetch or jogging.
5. Groom Frequently
   Regular grooming helps keep your Cavoodle's coat healthy and helps control their body temperature. Their fur acts as a natural barrier against heat and sunburn, so don't cut it too short but don't leave it too long either, ask your groomer for a summer cut for your cavoodle.

What to do if your Cavoodle overheats?

If you suspect your Cavoodle is experiencing heat stroke, act quickly to bring their body temperature down:

1. Move Them to a Cooler Area: Get your dog into the shade or an air-conditioned space immediately.
2. Offer Water: Provide cool (not icy) water for your dog to drink. Don’t force them if they’re unwilling.
3. Wet Their Coat: Use lukewarm water to dampen their coat. Focus on the belly, paws, and ears for effective cooling.
4. Use a Fan: Position them near a fan or air conditioning to aid heat dissipation.
5. Seek Veterinary Help: Even if your dog seems to recover, consult a vet immediately to rule out organ damage or other complications.

Here are the long-term health effects of heat stroke

In addition to being dangerous right away, heat stroke can have long-term consequences for your Cavoodle's health, such as:

• Renal Damage: Chronic renal damage or dehydration can result from prolonged warming that impairs kidney function.
• Heart Problems: High body temperatures raise the risk of cardiovascular problems by putting stress on the heart.
• Neurological Effects: Seizures or permanent behavioural abnormalities may be the outcome of severe heat stroke.

Following a heat stroke occurrence, routine veterinary examinations are crucial to tracking your dog's recuperation and general health.

Never forget that you are the one responsible for your Cavoodle's safety. Make plans in advance so they may spend as many sunny days as possible with you without endangering their health.