[southernbelle04]

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

Mine hates the heat. She's fine when it is 80 or below and not humid, but she much prefers the cooler temps 60-75. She can get overheated very easily and that is one thing that you should watch for in a yorkie in high temps. It can happen very suddenly.

Hyperthermia is a term describing an elevation in body temperature. This increase typically occurs as a response to a trigger, such as inflammation in the body or a hot environment. When a dog is exposed to high temperatures, heat stroke or heat exhaustion can result. Heat stroke is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Once the signs of heat stroke are detected, there is precious little time before serious damage - or even death - can occur.

Dogs do not sweat through their skin like humans - they release heat primarily by panting and they sweat through the foot pads and nose. If a dog cannot effectively expel heat, the internal body temperature begins to rise. Once the dog's temperature reaches 106°, damage to the body's cellular system and organs may become irreversible. Unfortunately, too many dogs succumb to heat stroke when it could have been avoided. Learn how to recognize the signs of heat stroke and prevent it from happening to your dog.

Signs of Heat Stroke
The following signs may indicate heat stroke in a dog: •Increased rectal temperature (over 104° requires action, over 106° is a dire emergency)
•Vigorous panting
•Dark red gums
•Tacky or dry mucus membranes (specifically the gums)
•Lying down and unwilling (or unable) to get up
•Collapse and/or loss of consciousness
•Thick saliva
•Dizziness or disorientation

What to do if You Suspect Heat Stroke
If you have even the slightest suspicion that your dog is suffering from heat stoke, you must take immediate action. 1.First, move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.
2.Begin cooling your dog by placing cool, wet rags or washcloths on the body - especially the foot pads and around the head.
3.DO NOT use ice or very cold water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body's core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. In addition, over-cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems. When the body temperature reaches 103°, stop cooling.
4.Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog's mouth.
5.Call or visit your vet right away - even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary (and further testing may be recommended).

Dogs and Heat Stroke - Understanding and Preventing Heat Stroke in Dogs

Wonderful info!