Preventing your chihuahua from overheating is important on hot summer days! Chihuahuas are small animals that love the sunshine and come from a hot environment, but they are still prone to overheating and temperature sensitivity.
Safety tips for keeping your chihuahua cool:
Never Leave Your Chihuahua In Your Vehicle
Many chihuahua owners take their chihuahuas everywhere. If you do this, make sure your chihauhua can go with you wherever you take it. In the summer heat, a chihuahua can develop health problems in a matter of minutes.
You should never leave your chihuahua unattended in the car when the outside temperature is below freezing or above 70 degrees. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the inside of a car parked in 70-degree weather can easily reach 100 degrees in just 20 minutes! Idle cars can reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit in less than an hour!
If you can’t take your chihuahua inside where you go, then leave them at home.
Feed Your Chihuahua Lots Of Water
Always bring water with you and a way for your chihuahua to drink it. Try teaching your chihuahua how to drink from a bottle of water. You can also purchase a collapsible water bowl. Offer your chihuahua water regularly on those hot days. Ice cubes are a great way to keep them hydrated if they prefer to lick them.
You can also try feeding your chihuahua large crisp romaine lettuce leaves or other crisp and water filled vegetables that will quench their thirst.
Excessive Panting Should Not Be Ignored
Chihuahuas don’t sweat to cool themselves like humans do – they pant. Like all dogs, when chihuahuas are hot, they pant. If your chihuahua is panting excessively with labored breath, it could be in trouble. Pay attention to their behavior.
Offer them water immediately and get them into a cooler environment. If they foam at the mouth, this is a sure indication that it’s just too hot for your chihuahua.
Exercise Indoors!
It’s easy to exercise chihuahuas indoors, and this is definitely something to consider on those super hot days. When heat warnings are in effect, you and your chihuahua should spend most of your time indoors.
Try a light game of fetch inside with your chihuahua’s favorite toy or run them in the hallways of your home or apartment building.
Know The Signs Of Heatstroke
Like other chihuahua health issues, knowing the signs of heatstroke in a chihuahua is critical.
Indicators your chihuahua might be having a heatstroke:
- Glazed eyes
- Excessive panting
- Fast or difficult breathing
- Lethargy, or low energy
- Excessive drooling, or foaming at the mouth
- Vomiting (with or without blood)
- Diarrhea (with or without blood)
- Bright red, or very pale gums
- Shaking
- Collapsing or weakness
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
- Seizures
Heatstroke is a medical emergency, so don’t delay, get your chihuahua to the veterinarian immediately. Quick action on your part is necessary if your chihuahua’s life is at stake. It’s up to you to keep your chihuahua comfortable, healthy and safe in the summer heat!
Picture credit: Hile (Helen Penjam) [Flickr]
