How To Recognize and Prevent Heatstroke in Dachshunds?

Doxies are one of the dogs that are taking the world by storm. They’re affectionate, loyal an so unique in many ways. But did you also know they’re more prone to overheating than some other breeds? Because of their long bodies and short legs, dachshunds can struggle to regulate their temperature, making them more vulnerable to heatstroke. Understanding dachshund heatstroke is essential if you want to keep your pup safe during hot weather.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about heatstroke in dachshunds, including signs of dachshund overheating, how to help an overheated dog, and the best items to help a dachshund cool down.

Sometimes, no matter how hard you’re trying to help your pet, problems with overheating can simply happen. That’s why it’s extremely important to notice the symptoms in time.

Why Are Dachshunds Prone to Overheating?

Dachshunds have a unique body structure that makes them more susceptible to overheating. Here’s why:

Short legs: They’re close to the ground, absorbing more heat from hot pavement and surfaces. Just remember those tiny legs and bellies that are almost touching the ground.
Long bodies: They have a lot of surface area but not the best heat regulation.
Thick coats: Even short-haired dachshunds can struggle in hot weather, and long-haired or wire-haired dachshunds overheat even faster.
High energy levels: These little dogs love to play, but too much activity in the heat can quickly push them into heatstroke in dachshunds.

So, if you live in a warm climate or are heading into the summer months, it’s crucial to know what are the signs of overheating in your dachshund.

What Are the Signs of Overheating in a Dachshund?

Recognizing early signs of dachshund overheating can prevent a serious emergency. Watch out for these symptoms:

Excessive panting – While all dogs pant to cool down, nonstop heavy panting is a red flag.
Drooling more than usual – If your dachshund’s drool turns thick or sticky, they might be overheating.
Lethargy – If your usually energetic pup suddenly slows down, lies down frequently, or refuses to move, heat could be the culprit.
Bright red tongue or gums – A telltale sign of dachshund heat stroke is when their gums and tongue turn bright red.
Vomiting or diarrhea – An overheated dog may start to vomit or have diarrhea, which can quickly lead to dehydration.
Disorientation or unsteadiness – If your dachshund starts stumbling or seems confused, it’s a major warning sign.
Collapse or unconsciousness – This is a medical emergency. Get your dog to a vet immediately!

How to Help an Overheated Dog

If you think your dachshund is overheating, don’t panic. Follow these steps to cool them down quickly:

Move them to a cool area – Get them out of the sun and into shade, air conditioning, or in front of a fan.
Give them cool (not ice-cold) water – Let them drink small amounts. Avoid forcing them to drink too much too fast.
Use cool (not freezing) water on their body – Wet a towel with cool water and apply it to their belly, armpits, and paw pads. Wrap your pet in a wet towel for a 15 minutes and place him/her on the coolest spot in the house.
Use a fan – Airflow helps evaporate the water and speed up cooling.
Don’t use ice or very cold water – Sudden extreme temperature changes can make things worse.
Take them to the vet if symptoms persist – If your dachshund isn’t improving within a few minutes, seek professional help immediately.

Preventing Dachshund Heatstroke

An overheated dachshund is a serious situation, but the good news is that you can prevent it with the right precautions. Here’s how:

1. Avoid Walks During Peak Heat

Walk your dachshund early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperatures are cooler. Hot pavement can burn their paw pads, so always check the ground with your hand before walking them.

2. Provide Plenty of Shade and Water

If your dachshund is spending time outside, make sure there’s plenty of shaded areas and fresh water available.

3. Use Cooling Products

There are tons of great cooling products on the market to help prevent dachshund overheating. Here are the best items to help an overheated dog:

Cooling mats – A self-cooling mat provides a comfortable place for your dachshund to rest.
Cooling vests – These special vests help keep body temperatures down by evaporating water. The Heat Resistant Dachshund Vest should be worn wet and thanks to it’s heat-resistant fabric, it will stay cool for a long time.

Cooling bandanas – Soak them in cold water and tie them around your dog’s neck.
Portable fans – Clip-on battery-operated fans can provide a nice breeze when traveling.
Another great option is to install a kiddy pool in your yard. In that way, your Doxie will be able to cool off whenever it wants. The Dachshund Splash Summer Pool is one of the best items to prevent your pooch from heatstroke.

4. Never Leave Them in a Hot Car

Even with the windows cracked, a parked car can reach deadly temperatures in minutes. If you wouldn’t sit in the car with a coat on, neither should your dachshund.

5. Watch Their Activity Levels

Dachshunds love to play, but too much excitement in the heat can lead to trouble. Keep playtime short and always supervise your pup in hot weather. I recommend you to choose 3 or 4 shorter walks instead of taking your dog only to 2 longer ones.

Dealing With a Heatstroke in Dachshunds: Wrapping Up

Dachshunds are lovable, energetic, and full of personality, but their small size and unique build make them vulnerable to overheating. Knowing how to recognize dachshund heatstroke, understanding what are the signs of overheating, and being prepared with the best items to help an overheated dog can save your pup’s life.

You can enjoy the summer with your dachshund without worrying about heatstroke by taking a few simple precautions. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and keep those little legs running safely!