Dogs are notoriously bad at dissipating body heat, and their primary way of regulating body temperature is by panting. When panting isn't enough, their body temperature rises, and they can experience heat stroke, which can become fatal if not treated immediately. While heat stroke is often caused by external factors such as hot environments, being trapped in a hot space, or vigorous exercise, it is worth asking whether a dog's emotional state can contribute to this condition. Can a dog get heat stroke simply by getting too upset?
What You'll Learn
Dogs' limited ability to sweat
Dogs have a limited ability to sweat, which is a key reason why they struggle to regulate their body temperature and are susceptible to heat stroke. While dogs do have sweat glands, these are located primarily on their paw pads and noses. This limited distribution of sweat glands means that sweat plays a very small role in cooling down a dog.
The sweat glands in a dog's paw pads are called merocrine sweat glands, which function similarly to human sweat glands. When a dog is hot, these glands activate and produce sweat to cool them down. However, because the surface area of the paw pads is small, this sweating has a minimal effect on the dog's overall body temperature. This is why dogs rely on other methods to regulate their body temperature, such as panting and vasodilation.
The bottom surfaces of a dog's paws can sweat, but not enough to make a difference in terms of overall body temperature regulation. This is why dogs are notoriously bad at dissipating body heat and are at risk of heat stroke, especially in hot and humid environments.
Dogs also have a different type of sweat gland, called apocrine sweat glands, which are located all over their bodies. However, these glands are not primarily used for cooling the dog down. Instead, their main purpose is to release pheromones, helping dogs identify each other by scent.
In summary, while dogs do have the ability to sweat, this function is limited to specific parts of their bodies and plays a relatively minor role in their overall temperature regulation. As a result, dogs are highly susceptible to heat stroke and require careful monitoring and care to prevent overheating, especially in warm climates.
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How to detect heatstroke in dogs
Heatstroke, or hyperthermia, in dogs is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. It occurs when a dog's internal body temperature goes above 101.5°F (38.6°C). While heavy panting is a natural response to increasing body temperature, if a dog is unable to reduce its body heat, it will develop heatstroke.
- Heavy panting and rapid breathing: If your dog is panting faster or more heavily than usual, it could be a sign of overheating. Dogs with flat faces, like pugs, are more susceptible to heat exhaustion due to their inefficient panting.
- Excessive drooling: Keep an eye out for excessive drool or drool that appears thicker and stickier than usual.
- Dry mucous membranes: Check for a dry nose and mouth, which could indicate dehydration.
- Abnormal gum colour: Bright red, grey, purple, or bluish gums can indicate dehydration or heatstroke.
- Skin that's hot to the touch: If your dog's skin feels unusually warm, it may be a sign of elevated body temperature.
- Increased heart rate: Place your hand on your dog's chest near the front elbow joint to check for an elevated pulse.
- Lethargy and weakness: Overheated dogs may nap more than usual or have trouble standing or walking.
- Vomiting or diarrhoea: Abnormally soft stool or stool with blood in it is a warning sign of heat exhaustion.
- Lack of coordination: If your dog seems dizzy or has difficulty maintaining balance, it could be a sign of heatstroke.
- Collapse: In severe cases, your dog may collapse due to heat exhaustion.
If you notice any of these symptoms, take immediate action to cool your dog down and seek veterinary attention. Move your dog to a cool, well-ventilated area, and use cool (not cold) water to lower their body temperature. Apply water to their head, stomach, armpits, and feet, or use cool cloths on these areas. Ensure a continuous flow of air to help increase evaporative heat loss.
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Heatstroke first aid
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate action. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heatstroke, follow these steps:
Step 1: Move Your Dog to a Cool, Well-Ventilated Area
Remove your dog from direct sunlight or hot environments and bring them to a cool, shaded area, preferably indoors with access to a fan or air conditioning. This will help lower their body temperature gradually.
Step 2: Apply Cool Water
Use cool or tepid water (not cold) to sponge or pour over your dog's body, especially their underside, head, stomach, armpits, and feet. Avoid the head area if your dog is unconscious, as there is a risk of them inhaling water. Continue this process until their breathing starts to settle, but be careful not to over-cool them to the point of shivering.
Step 3: Offer Small Amounts of Cool Water to Drink
Allow your dog to drink small amounts of cool water. Do not force them to drink if they are unwilling, but ensure they have access to water throughout their recovery.
Step 4: Monitor Body Temperature
If you have a rectal thermometer, take your dog's temperature. If it is above 105°F (40.5°C), continue the cooling process until it reaches 103°F (39.4°C). Do not reduce their temperature below this, as it may drop to critical levels.
Step 5: Seek Veterinary Attention
Even if your dog seems to have recovered, it is crucial to take them to the nearest vet as soon as possible. Complications from heatstroke may not be immediately apparent, and your vet will be able to provide further assessment and treatment.
Prevention:
- Always provide shade and fresh water for your dog, especially during hot weather.
- Avoid exercising your dog during the hottest parts of the day, and limit their exercise in hot weather.
- Never leave your dog in a car or a hot room, as temperatures can rise rapidly and become dangerous.
- Ensure your dog has access to cool resting places and plenty of water when travelling or in new environments.
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How to prevent heatstroke
While it is unclear whether a dog can get heatstroke from getting too upset, there are still several precautions you can take to prevent heatstroke in your dog. Here are some ways to protect your dog from heatstroke:
Avoid Enclosed and Poorly Ventilated Areas
Keep your dog away from enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces, such as cars, conservatories, or any area with insufficient airflow. Even on an overcast day with the windows down, the temperature inside a car can quickly become deadly.
Exercise During Cooler Parts of the Day
Avoid strenuous exercise and vigorous play during hot weather. Instead, opt for walks and exercise during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.
Provide Access to Water and Shade
Ensure your dog always has access to plenty of cold, fresh water. Additionally, provide shade in gardens, outdoor areas, or wherever your dog spends time. This will help them stay cool and prevent overheating.
Be Mindful of High-Risk Breeds
Brachycephalic breeds, or dogs with short muzzles like bulldogs and pugs, are at higher risk of heatstroke due to their reduced capacity to cool down by panting. If you own a dog from a high-risk breed, take extra precautions to keep them cool and avoid excessive exercise in hot weather.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Overweight dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke as they tend to overheat faster and have a limited capacity for cooling down. Help your dog maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise.
Avoid Hot Surfaces
Avoid walking your dog on hot surfaces like sand, concrete, asphalt, or even bare ground and dry grass during hot weather. These surfaces can retain heat and cause additional warming, increasing the risk of heatstroke.
Monitor for Signs of Heatstroke
Familiarize yourself with the signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, rapid breathing and heart rate, drooling, lethargy, dizziness, and collapse. If you notice any of these symptoms, act quickly by moving your dog to a cool area and providing cool water. Seek veterinary attention if their condition does not improve.
Exercise Caution with Age and Health Conditions
Very young and old dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke. Puppies have a limited ability to regulate their body temperature, while older dogs may have health issues that impact their cooling capacity. Additionally, dogs with heart or lung disease should be kept indoors in cool, ventilated spaces during hot weather.
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Dogs most at risk
While any dog can develop heatstroke, some are more prone to it than others. Here are the dogs most at risk:
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds
Dogs with flat faces, such as pugs, boxers, bulldogs, and British bulldogs, are at a greater risk of heatstroke. Their restricted airway means they have a harder time panting, which is the primary way they regulate their body temperature. As a result, they can develop heatstroke even when the outside temperature and humidity are only moderately elevated.
Obese or overweight dogs
Excess weight makes it more difficult for dogs to stay cool, putting them at higher risk of heatstroke. Obese dogs are also more likely to have underlying health issues that can contribute to heatstroke, such as heart disease.
Very young or old dogs
Puppies and older dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke. Their bodies may have a harder time regulating temperature, and they may be more vulnerable to the effects of excessive heat.
Dogs with thick, heavy coats
Thick-coated dogs can struggle to stay cool, especially in warmer months. Their heavy coats can trap heat, making it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature effectively.
Dogs with certain medical conditions
Underlying medical issues can increase a dog's risk of heatstroke. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, cardiac disease, laryngeal paralysis, andsection missing: yes
Breathing problems can make it harder for dogs to tolerate high temperatures. Additionally, any infection causing a fever can lead to hyperthermia.
Dogs without access to shade and water
Dogs left without adequate shade and water on hot days are at a higher risk of heatstroke. This is especially dangerous if they are confined in a car, exercise pen, or crate, as the ambient temperature can rise rapidly and become fatal within minutes.
It is important for dog owners to be vigilant and take precautionssection missing: yes
Precautions to prevent heatstroke, especially during hot and humid weather. By providing shade, water, and ventilation, and being mindful of the time spent outdoors or in enclosed spaces, owners can significantly reduce the risk of heatstroke in their dogs.
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Frequently asked questions
Heat stroke is a term used for hyperthermia or elevated body temperature in dogs. If a dog's body temperature exceeds 103°F (39.4°C), it is considered abnormal or hyperthermic. Body temperatures above 106°F (41°F) are most commonly associated with heat stroke.
Heat stroke in dogs is often caused by leaving a dog in a car with inadequate ventilation, or without access to shade or water on a hot day. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as pugs, boxers, and bulldogs are at greater risk due to their restricted airways.
Symptoms of heat stroke in dogs include heavy panting, excessive drooling, dry or sticky gums, bright red or pale gums, lethargy, disorientation, seizures, vomiting, diarrhoea, and collapse.
If you suspect your dog has heat stroke, immediately move them to a cool area and try to lower their body temperature by applying cool (not cold) water to their body, especially the underside. Use a fan to increase evaporative heat loss and provide small amounts of cool water for them to drink. Call your veterinarian as soon as possible.
To prevent heat stroke, make sure your dog has access to shade and plenty of water, especially during hot weather. Avoid exercising your dog during peak temperature hours and consider walking them during cooler times of the day. Keep your house cool and well-ventilated, and never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a short period.