1. **Excessive Panting**: One of the first signs you might notice is excessive panting. Dogs pant to cool themselves down, but if they are panting heavily and not able to cool down, it could be a sign of heat stroke.
2. **Drooling**: Increased drooling or thick, sticky saliva can indicate that your dog is overheating.
3. **Red or Pale Gums**: Check your dog's gums; they should be a healthy pink. If they appear red or pale, it could be a sign of heat stress.
4. **Rapid Heart Rate**: An elevated heart rate is another sign. You can check your dog’s pulse by placing your fingers on the inside of their thigh or under their ribcage.
5. **Weakness or Lethargy**: If your dog seems unusually weak, is having trouble standing, or is lethargic, this could indicate heat stroke.
6. **Vomiting or Diarrhea**: Gastrointestinal distress can occur when a dog is overheated.
7. **Confusion or Disorientation**: Your dog may seem confused or disoriented and may not respond to commands as they usually would.
8. **Seizures**: In severe cases, heat stroke can lead to seizures, which is a medical emergency.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke, it’s crucial to act quickly. Move them to a cooler area, offer them fresh water, and apply cool (not cold) water to their body. Do not use ice, as it can constrict blood vessels and trap heat. Seek veterinary attention immediately, as heat stroke can cause serious damage to internal organs and can be life-threatening.
Prevention is key, so always ensure your dog has access to shade and water, avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day, and never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a short time.
This answer doesn't make sense or isn't related to the question. Mark it as a probable hallucination of the AI model.