Dogs do not have pores in their skin, or sweat glands. They "sweat" (a body cooling mechanism) through their tongues. So panting when hot or exercising is normal for dogs. However, ALL dogs are easily subject to heat stroke and it is VERY dangerous. You certainly did the right thing by bathing in cool water and giving cool or even ice water to drink. We always have water around. Now, because we live on a lake, they often have a sip there. So far, they have not had a problem. Like you, Bettye, we give them bottled water when traveling since many dogs experience diarrhea with a change in water, even when it is safe water. When we were camped for the winter in Florida, we eventually mixed in a little of the filtered tap water, a little more ever couple of days, until we felt we could safely give them straight tap water, which we also began to drink gradually. Works. |