Unfortunately, this is something we deal with on regular basis due to our environment of S. LA. We have had many incidents of Police K9's succomb to heat related incidents and more often then not, onset was quick and severe. Please do not leave your lab in the cab of a truck in the AC unattended. I have seen first hand what happens when the AC/vechicle malfunction and overheat......it is not pretty. I have also seen full time K-9's have a "bad day" and for some reason or another, get heat incidents even though they work in it everyday. I used my lab last weekend in MS for our Sunday opener and had no issues, but did call my wife to come get her once I saw her get hot. She was ready and willing to go the next morning.
Also, the best method we have found in a heat emergency for a dog is an ice chest with ice water. It will cool them quickly and slow their heart rate down fast enough to make a difference.
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