Harry, the one-year-old Weimaraner, was having the time of his life at the beach on a gorgeous summer’s day. He and his equally energetic owner Sarah were loving the sun and sand (although after being dumped by a wave when he swam out too far, Harry was now not so sure about the surf).
After another enthusiastic off-leash game of fetch along the beach, Harry returned slowly back to Sarah panting heavily and trembling, and then suddenly collapsed weakly down onto the sand.
Sarah offered Harry some water, which he was able to lap at. Sarah tipped the remaining water over Harry, and then quickly bundled him into the car and drove him to his regular veterinary hospital, with the cool air-conditioning turned on full force. On the way, Sarah managed to phone the clinic and inform them of Harry’s symptoms and her likely arrival time.
Whilst Sarah made her way to the clinic, the veterinary staff quickly considered what the problem could be with Harry, and therefore what equipment they might need ready.
Some of the potential causes they considered included:
- Overheating
- A potential beach toxin, such as eating a puffer fish
- A near-drowning experience from being dumped by the wave, leading to seawater in Harry’s lungs
- A severe allergic reaction
On arrival at the clinic, Harry had perked up a bit, although he still seemed a bit weak. On examination by the veterinary team, he was found to have a moderately elevated body temperature and mild dehydration. The vet diagnosed Harry with likely heat exhaustion (dangerous overheating, but not yet to the severe level of heat stroke where internal organ damage can occur). Sarah agreed to have Harry admitted into the veterinary clinic for the rest of the day for ongoing cooling and rehydration, and close monitoring by the team.
Happily, Harry made a full recovery back to his normal hyper self. Sarah is now very careful about not exercising Harry vigorously in hot weather, and making sure she regularly interrupts his wacky Weimaraner antics to enforce rehydration and rest breaks