If your puppy shows any sign of heat stroke, precautions must be taken immediately. These include rapid pulse, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, dry or red eyes, dry mouth or excessive panting. Cool the puppy at once. Immerse her in a bath tub of lukewarm water, or, if you’re not at home, find a pond, stream, lake or other body of water. If there isn’t one available, borrow someone’s hose or find another source of water to wet her down. The most important areas are the face, neck, chest and sides. Continue to wet your puppy or keep her immersed in water until her temperature has decreased to 103 º F. Administer a dose of infant electrolytes, which can be purchased over the counter at any pharmacy. When your puppy’s temperature has decreased, transport her to the nearest animal hospital or veterinarian clinic.
Taking Puppy’s Pulse
It’s sometimes difficult to find your puppy’s pulse. It can be located on the hind leg, below the groin on the femur. Place your fingertips gently against the bone and your will feel your puppy’s pulse.
Stress
If your puppy suddenly becomes a snappy, aggressive brute, it’s likely due to excessive stress. Other stress symptoms include, but are not limited to, loss of appetite, diarrhea, slow or no response to commands and signs of withdrawal or depression. Stress can be caused by boredom, lack of attention, lack of exercise, being over worked or over trained, crowds, extreme situations and unfamiliar environment. If you move, your puppy is apt to show signs of stress. To de-stress puppy, give her lots of attention, frequent exercise, mild socialization and a proper diet. If symptoms persist, take your puppy to the vet’s. If he can’t diagnose the problem, seek the services of a professional trainer.
Warning: Never leave your puppy unattended in a vehicle for any length of time during the summer months. The temperature inside a car escalates quickly and your puppy can literally be baked alive.