Heat Exhaustion and Your Goldendoodle

Summer has only just begun here in Arkansas and we’ve already seen heat advisories. That means conditions are hot enough that people are in danger from heat exhaustion and other hot weather ailments. Heat exhaustion can affect your Goldendoodle, too.

When the temperature is high, you’ll need to pay attention to babies, check on elderly friends and neighbors — and keep an eye out for your Goldendoodle.

Why it’s so dangerous

The human body naturally sweats in an effort to regulate its internal temperature. Moisture seeps through the pores on the skin and evaporates—as long as the humidity isn’t too high—cooling the body. Dogs, on the other hand, regulate their internal body temperature primarily through panting rather than sweating.

Dogs, including your Goldendoodle, is going to be more sensitive to heat and high temperatures than you are. Hyperthermia—too much internal heat—happens when your Goldendoodle’s core temperature is above a healthy range and makes it more difficult for her to regulate the temperature herself.

If heat exhaustion progresses, she can have a full-blown heatstroke. This is not only serious but can also be fatal. She can become unconscious and experience organ failure.

What are some symptoms?

The impacts of heat exhaustion and heatstroke are not something to mess around with. It needs to be taken very seriously. One of the first indicators is excessive panting, or hyperventilation. This means she is not able to get rid of the excess heat building up inside her. 

Dehydration is another important symptom that your Goldendoodle may be severely impacted by the heat. If she has a dry nose, sunken eyes, or is visibly tired, she could be dehydrated. Even slight dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion. 

Check her gums to see if they have changed color from their normal hue. A lack of urine output is another indicator to watch for. Other indicators include a rapid pulse—anything above 103 beats per minute—muscle tremors, vomiting or diarrhea, or dizziness. 

What do I do?

Heat exhaustion can be treated. Take her to a cooler spot. Wet her down with cool (not cold) water. Give her a bowl of water to put her feet in. Sit with her in front of a fan. Give her some sips of cool or lukewarm water with no ice.

Keep watching her symptoms. If they don’t improve, call a vet.

Some prevention

Watch the weather. Go out and play in the cool of the morning keep your Goldendoodle indoors during the hottest part of the day, from noon till late afternoon. Make sure she has access to shade and plenty of water whether she’s indoors or out.

Of course, never leave your Goldendoodle in a car on a hot day, but don’t leave her outside when there’s a heat advisory, either. She might have been in the shade when you let her out, but she might end up sweltering under the sun.

Awareness is key to preventing heat exhaustion in your Goldendoodle.