Hot temps could be trouble for dogs

Austin (KXAN) - With summer officially still weeks away, Dr. Jennifer Renner is already seeing the affects of the hot temperatures on our four legged friends.

So far she says three dogs have been rushed to the  AM/PM Animal Hospital in South Austin suffering from heat stroke.  Two of those dogs did not survive.

"I really wouldn't go out if it was in the upper 90s," Dr. Renner says.

If you do take your dog out for some exercise during the summer, Dr. Renner says plan in advance.

"I would do it either early morning when the sun is just coming up or late evening when the sun is just going down. Middle of the day is definitely really difficult for the pet, " said Dr. Renner.

Unlike humans, who sweat to cool our bodies, dogs do not sweat. Their cooling mechanism, panting.  According to Drdog.com, dogs cool themselves by breathing rapidly, exchanging cool air for the hot air inside their body.

Dr. Renner says the shorter a dogs nose, the tougher it's going to be for them to cool themselves down.

Signs your dog might be suffering heat exhaustion or a heat stroke include, rapid panting, a bright red tongue or your dog might start to lag behind during a walk or run.

The first thing you should do according to Renner, is to soak your dog in water, but make sure it is not ice cold water.

Next, call your vet or an emergency vet and let them know you're on your way with a dog that is overheating.