Dog Dies After Routine Walk, Now Animal Rights Group Is Warning Others About The Signs Of Heat Stroke

Jun 12, 2019 by apost team

The end of the day just before sunset is the time I choose to take my dog on his daily walk. I know that if the temperature outside is too much for me to tolerate, it is probably too hot for him also. I apply the same principle to walking on pavement.

It is unfortunate that several dog deaths occur each year because their owners are unaware of the dangers presented by extreme temperatures.

The data regarding the number of dogs who lose their lives to heat stroke each year is collected and reported by PETA. The organization reported 58 deaths as a result of heat stroke in 2018.

A year ago, a story from the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) broke the hearts of many readers. The animal rights group received a call about a dog who died following a heat stroke. The dog was completely healthy before the incident.

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The owner of the dog took it on a routine walk like he had done a thousand times in the past. But this day was not like any of the others. The day would end in tragedy.

The RSPCA posted about the tragedy on their Facebook page. The post informed the public about a dog who was taken for a walk the previous morning at about 9 AM. At the time, the temperature was only 70 degrees.

The dog was five years old and otherwise healthy. The temperature on that morning should not have caused the dog any problems. However, record highs had been reported throughout the past week. 

The RSPCA alerted that despite the extreme temperatures dogs are still being walked during midday. These high temperatures could also harm your pet's paws. The organization expressed an understanding of why it is important to regularly walk dogs but explained the serious threat to a dog when he or she is walked during extreme temperatures. 

The RSPCA does its part and sends out regular messages. But it is important for all of us to deliver the message that heat and humidity are difficult things for a dog to handle.

There are a number of warning signs that can alert you to the fact your dog is struggling with extreme temperatures:

• Excessive Thirst
• Heavy Panting
• Losing Balance
• A Glazed Look In The Eyes
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Excessive Drooling
• Seizure
• Loss of Consciousness

If your dog demonstrates symptoms of a heat stroke, you should take action as soon as you notice them.

• Move your dog to an area where he or she will be cooler.
• Try to get the dog to drink small amounts of water. Be careful with the portion. Large amounts of water can cause the dog to vomit.
• If you are able, take the dog's temperature.
• Once the dog is stable and comfortable, make a call to a veterinarian.

It is difficult enough to endure the loss of a beloved pet when death is expected and involves no pain. However, when a dog dies from a preventable cause like heat stroke, it can be a tragedy some find even more difficult to get over. Advocate for your pet's needs! 

Please take the time to pass this article to everyone who has dogs. Passing along this story could possibly save the life of a beloved pet.