Summer is prime time for flea, mosquitoes (the only transmission source of heartworms), and ticks.
And if you want to steer clear of pesticides and chemicals, you're right to be concerned. Traditional flea collars and lots of insect sprays contain harsh drugs that can cause a vast array of terrible side effects including breathing issues and seizures.
Even by following all of the advice listed here for summertime care of Pug puppies and dogs, there is still the chance of heat exhaustion, simply because this breed is so prone to it. So, it's important to know the early warning signs that a Pug is starting to overheat and what steps you should take.
What to know:
Heat exhaustion occurs when a dog’s body cannot keep its internal temperature in a safe range.
- A dog’s average body temperature is between 101 and 102.5 F (38.3 to 39.2 C).
- Heat stress is when a dog’s body temperature rises to 103 F (39.4 C). At this point, owners need to intervene to bring body temp down.
- Heatstroke is the next phase (which can happen very quickly after heat stress), in which a dog’s body temperature reaches 106 F (41.1 C) or higher. This is considered life-threatening.
Canines, in general, can have trouble in the heat. They do not have full-body perspiration; instead, they release excess heat mainly by panting, which is not overly efficient. And, Pugs, since they are brachycephalic breeds (compressed skulls and breathing passages), are not able to deeply pant like their long-nosed counterparts.
Symptoms
(may be just one, some, or all):
• Rapid panting
• Bright red tongue
• Red or pale gums
• Thick, sticky saliva
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Slow capillary refill time (CRT). When a finger is pressed onto the gums and then released, it takes longer than 2 seconds for the gums to return to their normal color.
• If not treated, heatstroke can lead to shock, coma, and eventual death.
How to react:
1. Most vets recommend first stabilizing a dog before trying to transport them.
2. Bring your Pug indoors to an air-conditioned room or into the shade if you cannot reach the indoors.
3. Call the vet and report your dog’s condition.
4. Work to cool down your dog’s body. Do not use ice since this can induce shock. Soak small towels in cool water, and place these over your Pug, focusing on the core body, paws, groin area, and forelegs. If possible, set up a fan to circulate the air around your dog.
5. Offer cool water to drink, but control this to avoid rapid ingestion.
6. Monitor your dog’s temperature. Your veterinarian may recommend working to bring body temp down to 103 F (39.4 C) before attempting transportation.
7. Seek vet care afterward, regardless. Even if you are able to stabilize your Pug and they seem to recover just fine, enduring this type of event puts tremendous stress on the body and a dog should be examined by the vet.