What to do when your Pug is overheating.

Warmer weather is here!!   With that, it is imperative for one to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a heat stroke and heat stress as well as how to treat them in the event your pug experiences one.  Understanding and knowing what to when your pug is overheated and needs immediate care can save their life.

Heat strokes usually occur when the pug is unable to regulate their own body temperature.  Unlike humans, pugs do not sweat they regulate their body temperatures but by respiration such as panting. If a pug is unable or their respiratory tract fails to clear heat quickly enough then a heatstroke may happen. 

The following guidelines will help should your pug become overheated:

Overheating is life-threatening.  Knowledge of the signs and immediate treatment of heat exhaustion will help to reduce the chances of the pug having a heatstroke and even worse, death.

1. Watch your pug for signs of overheating.  Pugs have the most difficult time in the hot temperatures to they will need to be monitored more closely and have the least time out in the hot weather.  If you notice your pug with any of the following signs: excessive panting, dry gums, gums that are pale, increased drool, rapid pulse, confusion, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, hyperventilation, and maybe rectal bleeding, get the pug into a cooler area immediately, something with air conditioning or a fan. 

2. Use a rectal thermometer.  Attempt to take the pug’s temperature, pending on the pug.  Using your judgement if the pug is too hot or having a heat stroke it is best to get them immediately to emergency care.  If you are able to get the pug’s temperature, a pug’s normal body temperature is 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If the pug is under moderate heating, the temperature may rise to around 103 to 106 degrees; however severe heating will usually occur beyond 106 degrees. If this occurs contact your vet or the nearest emergency center and then report your pug’s temperature along with the symptoms he is exhibiting.

3. Reduce the pug’s temperature immediately.  To reduce the pug’s temperature, bring the pug into a cooler environment, then cool the pug by placing wet towels over his neck, under his armpits, and between his hind legs. Additional wetting on their ear flaps and on the pads of their paws will help to cool them pug down also.  If you are unable to bring the pug inside or are in an outdoor environment, utilize a stream or pond to help cool the pug down.

4. Give the pug fresh cool drinking water.  Let the pug drink the water, do not try to force water into their mouth.  Forcing the water down the pug may cause the pug to choke.   If the pug is refusing to drink, try placing some drops of water on their tongue.  Remember make sure the water is cool, NOT cold.  Cold water such as ice while a pug is experiencing a heat stroke may cause their body temperature to change too quickly, causing the pug to go into shock. 

5. Transport the pug to the vet. Call ahead so the veterinarian can be prepared of the situation and they will be able to treat the pug accordingly.  If your veterinarian is unavailable, transport the pug to the local emergency veterinarian.  The pug may need additional fluids, oxygen and other treatment.  If it was a severe overheating additional harm may have been cause as well as possible cardiac arrest.  The pug will need to be check out and taken care of. 

Prevention is the best medicine.  With the summer months coming, it is best to make sure your pug has plenty fresh water, shade to rest and is not left or expose to heat, especially during the hottest part of the day.  If you walk your pug, please walk them during the coolest time of the day such as early morning or after sunset.