ROANOKE - Dr. Paul Gallagher knows all too well how easy it is for dogs to overheat, especially in this hot and humid weather.
He works at Valley Animal Hospital in Roanoke.
"The first thing you're going to recognize is extreme panting. Really, really heavy panting. You might see vomiting and diarrhea," said Gallagher.
He says when your dog really starts feeling the heat, you'll also see neurological signs like your pet not being able to keep a steady balance.
He says a temperature over 105 degrees is another sign something is wrong.
WSLS: If someone is home with their dog and they notice all of the signs what should they do?
Gallagher: "Immediately, make sure you have access to fresh cool water, but not necessarily ice cold water. Get the dog into the shade into a cool part of the house. If you're at home, you should be getting ready to go to the vet, but in the process of getting the dog access to fresh cool water. On the way to the vet, you can wrap the dogs feet in cool soaked towels or just a foot bath with cool water in it."
Dr. Gallagher says it's important for your pet to cool down, but not to fast.
"They're going to want to drink a lot of water so when they do have access to it you just don't want them to overdue it all at once."
As we approach the dog days of summer, Dr. Gallagher has this advice: "You want to avoid walking. If you can, avoid walking in strenuous hikes during hottest part of the day so between 10-4 p.m. If you can walk your dogs before work and after work that would be great."
Dr. Gallagher also says you should make sure your dog drinks water every ten or fifteen minutes.
When it's really hot, he says you should limit the amount of time your dog spends outside.
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