[GraceAAA]

Dana,
I am so sorry to hear about Nando's heat exhaustion and I am so glad he is okay.

Another word of caution to others, as I know you mentioned he was in the air-conditioned car (and many do use that as a means to keep the dog cool before exercise) but veterinary literature has concluded that a dog kept in an air-conditioned environment prior to work is at more risk for heat stroke. The cardiovascular system of dogs (and humans) requires a great deal of time to adjust to the huge temperature ranges that occur between air-conditioned and hot/humid environments. I know you mentioned he was warmed up but the literature suggests the time to be hours that is needed between being quite cool and being worked up. And so according again to veterinary literature (JAVMA), it is best to allow the body to acclimate (on a day-to-day basis as well as long term basis) to the demands of temperature regulation...and of course, assist with shade, water, luke-warm wetting, etc.

Again, I am so glad Nando is okay! And, thank you for appropriately cautioning others on the forum!

Another very important place to check on our dogs that does show signs of imminent heat exhaustion is the sclera (white of the eye)...some pink is to be expected given warm temperatures, but any changes towards red is a very dangerous sign.