Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that can affect dogs of any age, breed, or gender. It is caused by a dog's inability to cool down, leading to a rise in body temperature beyond 104°F (40°C). The condition can develop very quickly, and death can occur within an hour if left untreated. Heatstroke can be brought on by a number of factors, including being left in a hot car, exercising in hot and humid weather, and lack of shade and water. The risk is also higher for dogs with brachycephalic syndrome, older dogs, and those with certain medical conditions. Recognizing the signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, excessive drooling, and lethargy, is crucial to getting immediate veterinary treatment, which can improve a dog's chances of survival and recovery.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Body temperature | Above 105°F (40.5°C) is considered heat stroke |
Warning signs | Heavy panting, rapid breathing, excessive drooling, dry mucous membranes, bright red gums, higher heart rate, lethargy, collapse, vomiting, diarrhoea, stumbling, seizures |
Treatment | Move to a cool area, pour cool water over the body, cool air with a fan, seek veterinary attention |
Prevention | Avoid exercise in the heat, provide shade and water, do not leave dogs in cars, bring dogs inside on hot days |
What You'll Learn
Warning signs of heatstroke
- Heavy panting and difficulty breathing
- Excessive drooling
- Dry mucous membranes
- Bright red gums and tongue
- Skin that's hot to the touch
- Higher heart rate
- Hyperactivity
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Signs of shock
- Pale mucous membranes with white or blue gums
- Very rapid heart rate
- Drop in blood pressure
- Hyperventilation
- Dehydration
- Dilated pupils
- Irregular pulse
- Muscle tremors
- Lethargy
- Unwillingness to move
- Loss of consciousness
- Uncontrolled urination or defecation
- Collapse
- Coma
If you notice any of these signs, it's important to act quickly and seek veterinary help. Move your dog to a cool, shaded area and begin cooling them down by pouring cool (not cold) water over them. Do not cover your dog with wet towels, as this can trap heat. Instead, place towels under them, and ensure a continuous flow of air across their body to aid in evaporative heat loss. Allow your dog to drink small amounts of cool water, and seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
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Immediate actions to take
- Remove your dog from the hot environment.
- Move your dog to a well-ventilated, cool area.
- If possible, use a rectal thermometer to take your dog's temperature. If it is above 105°F (40.5°C), this is an emergency and you should immediately take your dog to the nearest veterinarian.
- If you do not have a thermometer, look out for warning signs of heat stroke such as heavy panting and rapid breathing, excessive drooling, dry mucous membranes, bright red gums and tongue, skin that is hot to the touch, and a higher heart rate.
- Begin to lower your dog's body temperature by spraying or sponging them with cool (not cold) or tepid water, especially on their underside. Do not immerse your dog in cold water.
- Allow your dog to drink small amounts of cool water.
- Use a fan to blow cool air on them.
- Avoid pouring water on or near your dog's head, as they may inhale it, which could lead to drowning—this is especially true for flat-faced and unconscious dogs.
- Do not wrap your dog in a wet towel, as this can trap heat. Instead, place towels under your dog.
- Bring your dog to the nearest vet as a matter of urgency.
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Veterinary treatment
Emergency Cooling
The first step is to lower the dog's body temperature, which is done by wetting the dog with cool (not cold) water, using a hose or bucket, and avoiding pouring water on or near the dog's head. A fan blowing over damp skin will aid in evaporative cooling. It is important not to wrap the dog in wet towels as this can trap heat.
Intravenous Fluids
The next step is to administer IV fluids to treat dehydration, shock, and to cool the body down internally. Room-temperature fluids are used as they can help in cooling the dog.
Anaesthesia and Airway Intubation
For pets experiencing breathing difficulties or unconsciousness, anaesthesia and airway intubation may be necessary.
Gastric Protectants and Anti-Nausea Medication
Gastric protectants and anti-nausea medications are given in cases of vomiting and diarrhoea to protect the gastrointestinal tract.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are administered to prevent secondary sepsis (blood poisoning) and treat potential infections.
Cardiac Medications
Cardiac medications may be given if required to support heart function.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are performed to assess the severity of dehydration, test for clotting, assess organ function, and monitor the response to treatment.
Blood or Plasma Transfusion
In cases of severe heatstroke, a blood or plasma transfusion may be necessary for those with clotting problems.
Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy is important to increase the amount of oxygen the patient is breathing, maximising the efficiency of each heartbeat and helping to reduce stress on the heart.
Ongoing Monitoring and Intensive Care
Close monitoring of the dog's vital signs, such as temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and mucous membrane colour, is crucial during the recovery process. This may include frequent blood pressure measurements, electrocardiograms, and repeat bloodwork to monitor any changes and guide therapy.
Hospitalisation and Recovery
Dogs suffering from heatstroke often require hospitalisation for aggressive and expensive treatment. The average hospital stay is between one to six days. The prognosis depends on how high the dog's body temperature elevated, the duration of hyperthermia, and the dog's physical condition prior to heatstroke.
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Recovery and management
The recovery and management of heatstroke in dogs depend on the severity of the condition and how quickly the dog received treatment.
If a dog survives the initial 24 hours after experiencing heatstroke, they will likely remain in the hospital for 2-3 days on IV fluids and supportive care. Once discharged, the dog will need plenty of rest and extra care. Typically, dogs can make a full recovery and go on to live normal lives. However, it is important to monitor the dog closely during the recovery period, as some complications may not manifest until after the initial episode. Vets may recommend running bloodwork 1-2 weeks after the heatstroke event to ensure all organs are functioning properly.
The prognosis for dogs with heatstroke depends on several factors, including how high the dog's body temperature elevated, the duration of the hyperthermia, and the dog's overall health before the heatstroke occurred. If the dog's body temperature did not become extremely high, most healthy dogs will recover quickly if they receive immediate treatment.
However, in some cases, dogs may experience permanent organ damage or even death due to complications that develop after heatstroke. Additionally, pets that experience heatstroke are at a higher risk for subsequent episodes. Therefore, it is crucial to take preventive measures to avoid heatstroke in dogs, especially during hot weather. This includes providing shade, water, and frequent rest periods, avoiding exercise during the hottest times of the day, and never leaving dogs unattended in parked cars.
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Prevention
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that can be prevented by taking some simple precautions. Here are some tips to prevent heat stroke in dogs:
- Avoid exercising at-risk dogs in the heat: If your dog is prone to heat stroke, avoid exercising them in the heat. Opt for walks in the early morning or late at night when the temperatures are cooler.
- Bring dogs inside on hot days: On hot days, bring your dogs inside where they can cool off. Even if they have access to shade and water outdoors, the temperature inside may be too high for them to regulate their body heat effectively.
- Never leave your dog in the car unattended: The temperature inside a car can rise very quickly, even on mild days or with the windows down. Leaving a dog in a car is one of the main causes of heat stroke and can be fatal.
- Know your dog's limitations: Be mindful of your dog's limitations and keep them safely at home in a cool environment with access to water if you're unsure if they can handle the heat.
- Be vigilant with dogs suffering from respiratory conditions: Conditions like laryngeal paralysis or tracheal collapse can make it harder for dogs to pant and ventilate, increasing their risk of heat stroke.
- Protect your dog's paws: On hot days, the pavement can be much hotter than the air temperature. Protect your dog's paws by keeping them indoors or on unpaved surfaces.
- Know how to cool down an overheated dog: If your dog is showing signs of overheating, take immediate action. Bring them inside, offer water, turn on a fan, or wet them down with cool water.
- Provide shade, water, and rest: Always ensure your dog has access to shade, fresh water, and frequent rest periods when it's hot. This will help them regulate their body temperature and prevent overheating.
- Plan car trips: If you're travelling with your dog in the car, keep the car cool, make frequent stops, and ensure water is always available.
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Frequently asked questions
Warning signs of heat stroke in dogs include heavy panting and difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, lethargy, drowsiness, uncoordinated movement, vomiting, and collapse.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke, immediately move them to a cool, shaded area. Pour cool (not cold) water over their head, stomach, armpits, and feet, or apply cool, wet cloths to these areas. Ensure a continuous flow of air across your dog to increase evaporative heat loss. Then, take them to the nearest vet as a matter of urgency.
To cool down your dog, avoid using ice, as this can increase the risk of shock and cause skin damage. Do not use gastric lavage or cold water enemas, as these can be dangerous. Instead, use cool (not cold) water and direct a fan towards your dog to increase evaporative heat loss.
Dogs with brachycephalic syndrome (short-nosed dogs with flattened faces, such as pugs or boxers) and older dogs are at higher risk of heat stroke. Other risk factors include obesity, lack of acclimation to heat, lack of fitness, exposure to hot and humid environments, and strenuous physical exercise.
The treatment for heat stroke in dogs involves actively cooling the dog's body temperature and providing supportive care. This may include intravenous fluids, medication to reduce vomiting and diarrhea, antibiotics, oxygen therapy, plasma transfusions, and anti-arrhythmic medications.