Anna Werrett
Heat stroke is a common, life-threatening condition in dogs that requires immediate treatment. It occurs when a dog's body temperature rises too high and cannot be cooled effectively, often due to exposure to hot environments or strenuous exercise. Dogs are particularly susceptible to heat stroke because they can only regulate their body temperature through a small number of sweat glands located in their paw pads and noses, and by panting. Symptoms of heat stroke include heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, seizures, and collapse. If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke, it is important to act quickly by moving them to a cool area, wetting them down with cool water, and seeking veterinary care as soon as possible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body temperature | Above 103°F (39.4°C) is abnormal or hyperthermic. Heat stroke occurs when the body temperature rises above 105°F (40.5°C) |
| Symptoms | Heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessively drooling, lethargy, drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse, seizures, dry or sticky gums, abnormal gum colour, bruising in the gums, disorientation, increased salivation, rapid or erratic pulse, weakness, staggering, confusion, inattention, bright or dark red tongue or gums |
| Treatment | Remove the dog from the hot environment, gradually lower its body temperature by wetting it down with cool water (not cold), provide cool water for the dog to drink, get the dog to the vet |
| Prevention | Avoid leaving dogs in parked cars, plan car trips with adequate ventilation and water, avoid exercise during the warmest times of the day, ensure access to shade and cool, clean water, avoid walks during the hottest times of the day, remain indoors during periods of extreme heat and humidity |
What You'll Learn
How to recognise the signs of heat stroke in dogs
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a dog's body temperature rises too high and cannot be cooled effectively. Recognising the signs of heat stroke in dogs is crucial to prevent severe complications or even death. Here are some detailed instructions on how to recognise the signs of heat stroke in dogs:
Recognising Early Signs of Heat Stroke
The early signs of heat stroke in dogs can include heavy panting and rapid breathing, excessive drooling, dry mucous membranes, bright red gums and tongue, and skin that is hot to the touch. Affected dogs may also become hyperactive and experience difficulty maintaining balance. Restlessness or agitation, difficulty breathing, thick saliva, and changes in gum colour (dark red, pale, purple, or blue) are also indicative of early-stage heat stroke.
Progressing Symptoms
As the dog's condition worsens, signs of shock may appear, including pale mucous membranes, white or blue gums, a very rapid heart rate, and a drop in blood pressure. The dog may start to hyperventilate, and dehydration becomes more severe. Pupils dilate, the pulse becomes irregular, and the dog may experience muscle tremors.
Advanced Stages of Heat Stroke
In the advanced stages of heat stroke, dogs may become lethargic and unwilling to move. They may also lose control of their bladder and bowels, collapse, and even fall into a coma. Vomiting or diarrhoea, which may contain blood, is another sign of heat stroke.
It is important to note that heat stroke can occur suddenly and without much warning. Therefore, pet owners should be vigilant in monitoring their dogs' behaviour and physical condition during hot weather or when exposed to excessive heat. If you suspect your dog is showing any of these signs, it is crucial to act quickly and seek veterinary attention immediately.
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What to do if you think your dog has heat stroke
Heat stroke is a serious, life-threatening condition that requires immediate action. If you think your dog is suffering from heat stroke, you should:
Remove your dog from the hot environment
Take your dog away from the hot environment immediately. If they are outside, bring them into the shade or a cool room. If they are in a car, get them out of the car as soon as possible.
Gradually lower your dog's body temperature
You can do this by wetting them down with a hose or bucket of cool water (avoid their face) or using cool, wet cloths on their head, stomach, armpits and feet. Do not use ice baths or ice packs as these can cause a too-rapid decrease in body temperature and may restrict blood flow to the skin. A fan blowing over damp skin will aid the cooling process.
See a vet immediately
Even if your dog seems to be recovering, or you are unsure whether they have heat stroke, it is important to seek veterinary attention. Heat stroke can cause permanent organ damage and the longer it is left untreated, the worse the outcome. Your vet will be able to assess the severity of your dog's condition and provide emergency treatment.
Provide continuous airflow
Ensure a continuous flow of air across your dog to increase evaporative heat loss until you reach the veterinary hospital.
Do not wrap your dog in a wet towel
Wrapping your dog in a wet towel will trap the heat trying to escape.
Do not delay
Every second counts when it comes to heat stroke, so don't waste any time in implementing the above steps and getting your dog to the vet.
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How to cool down a dog with heat stroke
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate action. If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke, follow these steps:
Remove Your Dog from the Heat Source
Get your dog out of the sun immediately. If you are outdoors, guide or carry them to a shaded area, or ideally, indoors. If you are out and about, carry them to your car and turn on the air conditioning.
Cool Your Dog Down
Gradually lower your dog's body temperature by wetting them down with a hose or bucket, avoiding their face. You can also use cool (not cold) water or cloths to lower their temperature. Do not use ice baths or ice packs as these can cool your dog down too rapidly and cause constriction of the blood vessels, lowering their ability to cool down. You can also try draping wet towels across their neck, groin, and armpit area.
Create a Soft Breeze
Turn on a fan and/or air conditioning if you have access to them. If not, try to create a breeze by fanning your dog or blowing on them gently.
Provide Plenty of Water
Keep your dog hydrated by offering them fresh, cool water. Place multiple bowls of water around your home, both indoors and outdoors, and consider carrying a water bottle for your dog if you are hiking or camping.
Seek Veterinary Care
Even if your dog appears to be recovering, it is important to see a vet immediately. Heat stroke is a serious condition that can lead to organ failure and death. The vet will assess the severity of your dog's heat stroke and provide emergency treatment as required.
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Why dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke than humans
Dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke than humans due to their inability to regulate their body temperature through sweating. Unlike humans, who have sweat glands all over their bodies, dogs only have a few sweat glands located in their paw pads and around their noses.
Instead, dogs rely primarily on panting to cool themselves down. However, this method is not always effective, especially if the surrounding air temperature is too high or if the dog is stressed. Additionally, some dog breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, have shorter muzzles (brachycephalic breeds), which means they have less surface area to allow heat loss. These breeds also tend to have narrowed airways, making it more difficult for them to pant and cool down.
Other factors that increase a dog's susceptibility to heat stroke include:
- Lack of adequate airflow or ventilation, such as being left in a car or poorly ventilated space
- No access to shade or water on hot days
- Excessive exercise or strenuous activity during hot weather
- Being left in the sun for too long
- Underlying health conditions such as heart or respiratory disease, obesity, or advanced age
It is important for dog owners to be aware of the signs of heat stroke, such as excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, disorientation, and seizures. Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent severe organ damage or even death.
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How to prevent heat stroke in dogs
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a dog's body temperature rises too high and cannot be cooled effectively. Dogs are unable to cool down by sweating as humans do, so they are less able to regulate their body temperature. They primarily release heat by panting and through a small number of sweat glands located in their paw pads and around their noses.
- Provide a cool environment: Ensure your dog has access to a well-ventilated, cool, and shaded area, both indoors and outdoors. Avoid leaving them in enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces, such as cars, garages, or conservatories.
- Avoid strenuous exercise: Restrict exercise during hot weather and walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Avoid exercising your dog during the warmest times of the day.
- Provide ample water: Always provide plenty of cool, clean water for your dog to drink. Adding ice to the water bowl can help keep it cool. When going for walks, pack a water bottle to ensure your dog stays hydrated.
- Be cautious of hot surfaces: Remember that hot pavements, concrete, or asphalt can burn your dog's paws. If the surface is too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
- Groom your dog: Ensure your dog is regularly groomed, especially if they have a thick coat. This can help them stay cool by removing excess hair.
- Avoid muzzles: Muzzles can restrict your dog's ability to pant, which is their primary method of cooling down.
- Be aware of at-risk breeds: Short-muzzle or brachycephalic breeds (such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs) are at higher risk of heat stroke. Additionally, older, overweight, or very young dogs, as well as those with thick coats or underlying health conditions, are more susceptible.
- Plan car trips: If you're travelling with your dog in the car, keep the car cool, ensure frequent stops, and always provide water. Never leave your dog unattended in a parked car.
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Frequently asked questions
Warning signs of heatstroke include heavy panting and difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, lethargy, drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhoea, and collapse.
Move your dog to a cool, shaded area and immediately pour cool (not cold) water over them. Allow them to drink small amounts of cool water and continue pouring water over them until their breathing starts to settle. Then, take them to the vet as a matter of urgency.
Avoid exercising your dog during the warmest times of the day and in hot and humid weather. Ensure they always have access to shade, cool, clean water, and a way to cool themselves down. Never leave your dog in a parked car, even with the air conditioning running.
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a dog's body temperature rises too high and they are unable to cool down effectively. This can cause organ damage and even death.
