Heat Stroke in Dogs: What to Look Out For

Summer is a wonderful time of year to spend outdoors with your beloved pet. But the hot and humid weather brings with it a risk of developing heat related-illnesses such as heat stroke, both for you and your pet.

Please continue reading to learn more about dog heat stroke, including how to recognize it, what to do for your dog’s heat stroke, and how to prevent it.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a heat-induced illness that can affect both humans and pets. It occurs due to decreased sweating, which results in the body being unable to cool itself in a humid and hot environment.

Heat stroke is characterized by a rapid increase in body temperature, often within minutes, to several degrees above the normal body temperature. It is also called hyperthermia (high body temperature).

Note that heat stroke is different from heat exhaustion, which occurs due to excessive sweating and loss of water and salt from the body.

What happens during heatstroke in dogs?

A dog’s body temperature is usually 101-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Notably, this is significantly higher than the normal body temperature for humans, which is 97.6-99.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

During heat stress, a dog’s temperature can climb to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within minutes. Body temperatures of 107-109 degrees F can lead to multiple organ failure. Therefore, heat stroke is a very serious, life-threatening condition and a medical emergency. It should be treated immediately by a vet or in a veterinary hospital. Without emergency treatment, severe organ damage in multiple organ systems can be fatal.

What causes heat stroke in dogs?

The most common reason why dogs develop heatstroke is they are left in a hot car without adequate ventilation. In such situations, a dog’s body temperature can rise rapidly, sometimes within minutes.

Note: Dogs do not regulate their body temperature through sweating like humans. This is because dogs only have a limited number of sweat glands located in their paw pads. Instead, dogs regulate their temperature by panting.

Other causes for dogs developing heatstroke include if you:

Leave dogs outdoors in a yard without adequate shade and water.
Keep them in a poorly ventilated home or dog house.
Exercise them vigorously or for an extended period on a hot day.

Certain dogs are at a higher risk of developing heat stroke, for example, brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, and Boston Terriers. These breeds have short noses and narrow nostrils, which can make it difficult to breathe. Also, dogs who are muzzled are at an increased risk because the muzzle affects a dog’s ability to pant properly.

Other predisposing factors include older dogs, health conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease, and a lack of acclimatization to excessive heat.

What are the signs of heat stroke in a dog?

The early signs of heatstroke in dogs include a fast respiratory rate, noisy breathing, heavy panting, dry or sticky gums, and red or blue discolored gums. Other clinical signs may include lethargy, disorientation, muscle tremors, laryngeal paralysis (a hoarse or raspy bark), seizures, and unresponsiveness.

How do you treat heat stroke in dogs?

The most important thing to treat heat stroke in dogs is to bring the dog’s temperature down. This is accomplished by moving your dog to an area with air conditioning or ambient temperature. If you are outdoors, choose a cool, shady area. Give your dog cool or tepid water to treat dehydration.

Use cool water (not cold water) to gradually lower your pet’s body temperature. You can pour the water over the head, tummy, feet, and armpits. You can also use wet towels soaked in cool water over these body parts (the towels should be replaced periodically). Ensure proper ventilation and a continuous flow of air over your dog’s body to help keep it cool.

Note: The use of rubbing alcohol on the footpads to dilate the pores and increase sweating is of questionable benefit. The use of ice packs to cool your dog’s body remains controversial because it can narrow blood vessels in the skin and lower the rate of blood flow and heat exchange.

Make your way to the vet immediately if you suspect heat exposure has caused the dog heat stroke. The vet may prescribe intravenous (IV) fluids and/or low-concentration oxygen therapy. They may also order lab tests such as a complete blood count. Your pet’s body temperature will be carefully monitored as they begin cooling. Treatment will be discontinued once the body temperature is at 103 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Keep in mind that overdoing the cooling process can result in hypothermia (low body temperature).

Can a dog recover from heat stroke?

Yes, a dog can recover from heat stroke provided you recognize the early signs and give them appropriate treatment, including emergency medical care from a vet.

How to prevent heat stroke in dogs?

The best way to prevent heatstroke in dogs is to avoid leaving them:

Outdoors in areas without shade or adequate water.
Indoors in poorly ventilated homes.
In cars without adequate ventilation.

Additionally, make sure you schedule walks and strenuous exercise for the early mornings and evenings when it is cooler outside. Also, ensure your dog always has plenty of fresh, clean water to drink. If your dog has health conditions that are risk factors for heatstroke, talk to your vet about additional precautions.

Stay safe and enjoy the summer with your furry friend!

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