Preventing Heat Stroke

Warning Signs, Risks & Life Saving Actions For The Responsible American Bully Owner

BULLY KING Magazine Blog

The first days of summer have proven one thing. There is a heat wave among us. Triple digit temperatures are burning up the southwest and making its way across the nation. We all know how to cool ourselves down but do you know how to keep your bully cool?

Taking a walk in the early morning is a great way to start your day. The temperature is mild and the birds are chirping. One of the best things about walking your dog is that it tires them out. A tired bully is less likely to misbehave if you work during the day.

A late evening walk is also beneficial because the temperature has dropped. It helps you and your dog to unwind after a long day. It allows you to nurture the bond you have. It also tires you and your dog for a more restful night of sleep.

When temperatures rise in the summer, your dog can really feel the heat. Keeping your dog cool is vital for its well being, as heat stroke in dogs is a life-threatening condition. Warning signs include panting excessively, moving sluggishly, acting woozy, and losing consciousness. If you observe any of these signs, call your veterinarian immediately.

Be aware of conditions that may cause or exacerbate heat stroke

Dogs that are elderly, obese, or have a history of heart disease or seizures are more likely to suffer from heat strokes and may have a lower tolerance for increased heat.

Dogs with shorter snouts, dogs with shorter muzzles like the Bully Breed have a harder time panting out their body heat, so they are at higher risk.

With the heat wave settling in, it’s not just the outdoor temperature that is a concern, on a warm day, inside a parked car can reach 120 degrees within minutes. In an article at the huffingtonpost.com, they presented the AVMA’s scientific proof. In just 10 minutes, the temperature inside a parked car rose 19 degrees. They also stated that cracking the windows does not efficiently decrease the temperature rise.

It is recommended by many veterinarians to keep bully breed dogs indoors when it is 85 degrees or hotter outside. Buliess have a tendency to overheat easily, as do many brachycephalic breeds. They are not efficient panters, and therefore are not able to cool as easily as other breeds.

The Bully Breed does not tolerate heat as well as others. So you should avoid areas that have excessive heat

Signs Your Bully May Be Overheating

• Excessive panting
• Heaving while panting
• Odd sounds coming from the throat
• Very floppy, loose, discolored tongue
• Possible foaming from the mouth
• Exhaustion from the fight for breath