I had this experience today! Thank goodness my good friend was here and was in the yard with the dogs at the time.

It has been very hot for the past several days and today it did reach 100 degrees in Charlotte.

Fortunately, my friend was looking right at my dog Digit, when Digit collapsed. She grabbed Digit and ran indoors calling for me. When I reached her, she was in the kitchen, holding Digit under the water facet in the sink. She had a towel wrapped around her to hold the water and was running cool water right onto her stomach.

Digit had quickly regained consiousness and was becoming alert to her surroundings. We continued to run the cool water over her until her eyes were clear and alert, her gums were a normal pink color and she had stopped panting.

I then wrapped her in a dry towel and held her until I was sure that she was calmed down and doing ok.

"DO You Know How To Spot Heatstroke?"

It's summer and the days and even the evenings are very hot. Your dog could suffer a heat stroke if they are outside, even in the shade, or in a car.

It is best to avoid these situations rather than to treat them. And you should NEVER leave your dog in the car, even for a few minutes. Leave him at HOME!

Even with the windows down, the car will overheat rapidly. Temperatures can rise to 120 degrees in a few minutes. Your dog's body temperature will also rise rapidly and brain damage, including death, may occur quickly.

Overheathing may also occur if you take your dog for a run in hot, humid weather. A day at the beach, or playing ball is fun, but be sure to keep an eye on your dog.

Dogs do not sweat. Their only way to cool off is by panting. Heat stroke occurs when your dog cannot maintain a normal body temperature by panting.

The Signs of Heat Stroke:

- Panting and increased pulse rate
- Weakness
- Mucous membranes and skin become deep red
- Muscle tremors
- Collapse
- Staring expression
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Elevated body temperature

First Aid for Heat Stroke:

- Move to a cool, well-ventilated, shady area
- Apply cool water to the body (not ice or cold water)
- Follow with an electolyte solution (can mix some salt and sugar in water)

GET VETERINARY ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY!

This is an emergency situation. Brain damage can occur.

Homeopathic Remedies That Can Be Used on the Way to the Vet:

- Aconitum napellus - Use if your dog is quiet restless and
fearful. There may be hemorrahaging from the nose, and/or
congestion to the head and cause nausea.

- Belladonna - This state is more intense than the above
state in the your dog will have greater physical changes.
The ears and gums are intensely red, the pupils may be
dilated. The restlessness is more violent.

- Gelsemium - Use this remedy for weakness. Your dog will
be weak and dizzy, almost to collapse. The muscles will
tremble. He may alternate between flushes of heat and cold,
clammy skin. This is a typical sign of heat exhustion.

Give a dose of four pellets at five-to ten minute intervals on your way to the vet.

As you can see, the best protection against your dog having heat stroke, is:

- Don't leave your dog in the car!
- Keep an eye on your dog when playing, walking or running in hot, humid weather.

This is a condition that you do not want to be faced with, and the best way is to avoid any situation that could cause it to happen.

It is an Emergency Situation and you must get your dog to the vet immediately.

I did not take my dog to the vet today, because we were able to react quickly to the situation, and Digit responded quickly. Had I just found her that way, I would have followed the first aid instructions and then taken her to the vet.

Know what to do in an emergency and don't leave your dog out too long in hot weather.

Keep your dog safe this summer.

To the health of your dog,

Sandra