Temperature tracking for a 25 kg dog post-treatment
Your dog's size means his system has more mass to distribute any remaining toxins, but also more tissue that could overheat. Take his rectal temperature every two hours for the next 12 hours — normal is 38-39°C (100-102°F). A reading above 39.5°C (103°F) means immediate vet recall. Use a digital thermometer lubricated with petroleum jelly, inserting it about 2 cm into the rectum for 30 seconds. Don't rely on ear or paw warmth as an indicator.
Watch for subtle heat signs between checks: pressing his belly against cool tiles, seeking breezes, or restless pacing. These often appear before the thermometer catches the rise. If he's panting while lying still in a cool room, that's an early warning. Keep the room at 18-20°C (65-68°F) and avoid blankets or dog beds that trap heat.
Gum colour and capillary refill checks
Lift his lip gently every hour to inspect gum colour — they should match bubblegum pink, not brick red (hyperthermia) or whitish-gray (shock). Press your thumb briefly against the gums above a canine tooth, then release. The blanched spot should refill with colour within 1-2 seconds. Delayed refill suggests circulation issues from toxin aftermath.
Note any new stickiness or dryness in his gums, which can indicate dehydration setting in. His saliva should moisten your finger when you rub his gums lightly. If he's drooling excessively or producing thick, ropey saliva, that's another reason to reconnect with the vet. These checks are especially important if he's reluctant to drink water.
Breathing patterns during rest
Count his breaths per minute when he's fully at rest, ideally sleeping. Normal is 10-30 breaths; write down the numbers to spot trends. Rising rates matter more than single high readings. Place your hand lightly on his ribcage to feel shallow breaths that might not visibly move his sides. Labored breathing shows as abdominal muscle use or nostril flaring.
Listen for any new wheezing or rasping sounds during exhales, which could suggest throat swelling. Hops residue might still irritate his airways even after treatment. If his panting rhythm becomes irregular — fast then slow with pauses — that's an emergency signal. Keep him from climbing stairs or jumping during recovery to reduce oxygen demand.
Post-treatment water intake and urine
Measure his water consumption by offering 1 cup (240 ml) at a time and recording how much he drinks hourly. A 25 kg dog needs about 75-100 ml per kg daily (1.5-2 liters total), but expect reduced intake initially. Use a syringe to drip water onto his tongue if he's hesitant. Sudden excessive drinking could indicate kidney strain.
Note his urine output during walks — scant dark yellow urine is more concerning than several pale streams. Hops toxins can concentrate urine, so frequent small pees are better than one large dark one. If he squats repeatedly without producing, or licks his genitals excessively, call the vet. Collect a sample in a clean container if you notice blood or unusual cloudiness.
The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Hops (used hops) food facts page.