Heat Stroke In Dogs: When To Seek Veterinary Attention

Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition in dogs that requires immediate veterinary attention. It occurs when a dog's body temperature rises above 104°F (40°C) due to excessive external heat and insufficient ability to dissipate heat. Dogs cool themselves primarily by panting, but in extremely hot or humid weather, they can quickly overheat, leading to heat stroke. Recognizing the signs of heat stroke and taking prompt action is crucial to prevent organ damage and save your dog's life.

Warning signs: panting, drooling, lethargy, etc

Warning signs that your dog is suffering from heat stroke include:

Panting

Panting is a key warning sign of heat stroke in dogs. Dogs pant to cool down, as they only have a few sweat glands located in their paw pads and around their noses. When dogs pant, the air passing over the saliva in their mouths helps them cool down. However, if a dog is unable to cool itself through panting, it can lead to hyperthermia. Panting more than usual can be a sign that your dog is already too hot.

Drooling

Excessive drooling, often with very thick saliva, is another warning sign of heat stroke in dogs. This is often accompanied by foaming at the mouth.

Lethargy

Lethargy or collapse is a sign of heat stroke in dogs and can indicate that the dog's condition is worsening. Affected dogs may become lethargic and unwilling to move.

In addition to the above warning signs, other symptoms of heat stroke in dogs include:

• High body temperature
• Restlessness or agitation
• Difficulty breathing
• Change in gum colour (dark red, pale, purple, or blue)
• Vomiting or diarrhoea (possibly with blood)
• Increased heart rate
• Dizziness
• Seizures
• Coma
• Dehydration

How to cool your dog down

Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that requires immediate action. If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke, it's important to take them to a vet as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take to cool your dog down:

• Remove your dog from the hot environment: Get your dog out of the sun and into a cool, well-ventilated area. This could be an air-conditioned room or a shaded spot with a fan.
• Gradually lower your dog's body temperature: Use cool or lukewarm water—not cold or icy water, as this can be dangerous—to help lower their temperature. You can do this by using a hose, spraying them with a spray bottle, or applying cool, wet towels to their body, focusing on areas like the paws, stomach, armpits, and head. Avoid covering their face with wet towels, and do not use ice baths or ice packs directly on their skin.
• Provide small amounts of water: Offer your dog small amounts of cool or room-temperature water every few minutes. Do not force them to drink if they are not conscious or alert.
• Monitor their body temperature: Use a rectal thermometer or an armpit thermometer to keep track of your dog's body temperature. For a dog, a temperature of over 103°F (39.4°C) is considered abnormal or hyperthermic. Continue your cooling efforts until the temperature drops to around 103°F, then stop to avoid over-cooling.
• Seek veterinary care: Even if your dog seems to be recovering, it's important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Heat stroke can cause organ damage and other complications that may not be immediately apparent.

Remember, heat stroke can be fatal, so it's crucial to act quickly and seek veterinary help. Additionally, preventing heat stroke is always better than trying to treat it. Keep your dog hydrated, provide shade and ventilation, avoid excessive exercise in hot weather, and never leave them unattended in a car or other enclosed space.

When to go to the vet

Heat stroke is a serious, life-threatening condition and requires immediate treatment to increase the chances of survival. If your dog is showing any of the following signs or symptoms, it's time to go to the vet:

• High body temperature (above 104°F or 40°C)
• Restlessness or agitation
• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• Drooling, often very thick saliva
• Change in gum colour (dark red, pale, purple, or blue)
• Vomiting or diarrhoea (possibly with blood)
• Increased heart rate
• Lethargy or collapse
• Dizziness—they may struggle to walk in a straight line
• Seizures
• Coma

If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, remove them from the hot environment and gradually lower their body temperature by wetting them down with a hose or bucket (avoiding their face) or wrapping them in towels soaked in lukewarm water. Do not use ice, as this can cool them down too quickly and cause constriction of the blood vessels, lowering their ability to cool down. Place a fan in front of your dog to aid evaporative cooling.

Even if your dog appears to be recovering, it is important to see a vet as soon as possible. Heat stroke can cause permanent organ damage and even death if left untreated. The prognosis depends on how high the body temperature rose, how long the hyperthermia persisted, and the physical condition of your dog prior to the heat stroke.

When to go to the emergency vet

If your dog is showing any of the following symptoms, go to the nearest emergency vet clinic immediately:

• Collapse
• Unresponsiveness
• Seizures
• Vomiting or diarrhoea (especially with blood)
• Red or purple bruising on the skin or gums

Risk factors

Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition in dogs that can be fatal if left untreated. It is important to be aware of the risk factors that can contribute to heat stroke in dogs, as recognising these signs can help prevent a medical emergency. Here are some key risk factors to look out for:

• Breed: Certain breeds are more prone to heat stroke due to their physical characteristics. Brachycephalic breeds, also known as flat-faced dogs such as Pugs, Boxers, and Bulldogs, have restricted airways, making it harder for them to regulate their body temperature. Additionally, long-haired dogs may struggle to keep cool.
• Age: Both very young and older dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke. Older dogs may have underlying health conditions that make it harder for them to regulate their body temperature.
• Physical Fitness: Dogs that are out of shape or have a lower level of physical fitness are more vulnerable to heat stroke, especially when exerting a lot of energy in hot environments.
• Weight: Overweight and obese dogs are at a higher risk of heat stroke.
• Medical Disorders: Underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, cardiac disease, and laryngeal paralysis can increase the risk of heat stroke.
• Environment: The most common cause of heat stroke is being confined in a car with inadequate ventilation. The temperature inside a closed car can rise rapidly and become dangerous within minutes. Other environmental risk factors include being left without shade or water on hot days, exposure to hair dryers, and excessive exercise in hot temperatures.
• Water Access: Restricted access to water or not drinking enough water can lead to overheating and increase the risk of heat stroke.
• Acclimation: A sudden change to a warmer climate or hot weather can cause heat stress and increase the risk of heat stroke.
• Excitement or Vigorous Exercise: Even if the environmental temperature and humidity don't seem high, excited or excessively exercised dogs can be at risk of heat stroke due to increased body temperature and reduced ability to cool down.

It is crucial to monitor your dog closely during hot weather and be vigilant for any signs of heat stroke. Taking preventive measures, such as providing shade, water, and rest, can help reduce the risk of heat stroke in your dog.

Preventative measures

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that can affect dogs in hot weather. It is important to take preventative measures to protect your dog from heat stroke, especially if they are a breed that is more prone to overheating, such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Golden Retrievers. Here are some preventative measures you can take to protect your dog from heat stroke:

• Exercise during cooler times of the day: Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day, usually midday.
• Provide unlimited access to fresh, cool water: Ensure your dog always has enough fresh, cool water to drink, especially on hot days. Bring water with you when going for walks.
• Provide access to shaded areas: Make sure your dog has access to shade, such as shade trees outside or a cool tiled floor indoors, to rest and cool down.
• Never leave your dog in a car: Do not leave your dog unattended in a car, even with the windows cracked open. The interior temperature of a car can rapidly reach dangerous levels, causing heat stroke.
• Limit time outside on extremely hot and humid days: Keep outdoor activities brief and bring your dog indoors to air conditioning frequently to prevent overheating.
• Consider clipping your dog's coat: If your dog has a heavy coat, consider clipping it during the warmer months to help them stay cool. However, do not shave down to the skin, as your dog's fur provides some protection from UV rays.
• Be cautious with flat-faced and overweight dogs: Dogs with flat faces, such as Pugs and Bulldogs, and overweight dogs are at higher risk of heat stroke. Take extra precautions with these dogs and monitor them closely during hot weather.
• Avoid excessive exercise in hot weather: Do not subject your dog to strenuous exercise or excessive running in hot weather, as this can increase their risk of heat stroke.
• Provide adequate ventilation: If your dog is kept in a crate or kennel, ensure it is well-ventilated to prevent overheating.
• Monitor your dog closely: Pay close attention to your dog on hot days, especially if they are more prone to overheating. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, such as excessive panting and drooling, and take action if you notice any warning signs.

Frequently asked questions