Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are unfortunately common in the summer months — especially in adventure dogs who love to get out hiking, biking, running, or visiting favorite Sniffspots with you.
The warm weather doesn’t have to be a source of fear, though. Here’s what you need to know about heat stroke in dogs: what it is, what causes it, and how you can prevent your pup from suffering with a raised core body temperature.
Definition: What is heatstroke?
Heat stroke, a more severe form of heat exhaustion, is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs in dogs when their body temperature rises to dangerously high levels.
Dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke than humans because they can’t cool themselves as effectively. They have a limited ability to sweat (while they do have sweat glands, they produce a very small amount) mainly through their paw pads. Dogs primarily regulate their body temperature through panting.
Symptoms: What are the clinical signs of heat stroke in dogs?
The signs of heatstroke can be subtle initially — but the condition can rapidly escalate to life-threatening status. Common symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include:
Excessive panting
Dogs regulate their body temperature through panting. If you notice your dog panting excessively, especially in a hot environment or during physical activity, it may be a sign of heat-related distress.
Salivating
Heat-stressed dogs may drool more than usual.
Bright red gums and tongue
Signs of heatstroke include your dog’s gums and tongue appearing bright red. This indicates increased blood flow from high body heat, leading to possible heat stress.
Rapid or labored breathing
Heat-stressed dogs may exhibit rapid, shallow, or labored breathing as their bodies try to cool down. This often looks like heavy panting.
Weakness and collapse
Dogs experiencing heatstroke may become weak, wobbly, or even collapse due to heat exhaustion and changes to their blood pressure.
Vomiting and diarrhea
Dogs with heatstroke may vomit or have diarrhea.
Elevated heart rate
An increased heart rate is a common symptom of heat-related illness as the body tries to pump blood and circulate it more effectively.
Seizures or tremors
In severe cases, dogs with heatstroke can experience seizures or trembling.
Unresponsiveness or disorientation
Dogs suffering from heat stress may become disoriented or unresponsive, showing signs of confusion and inability to walk properly.
Causes: What causes heatstroke in dogs?
Heatstroke can be caused by exposure to high ambient temperatures, especially if the air is also humid (humid environments make it harder for your dog to regulate their body temperature through panting). It’s especially likely in hot weather when a dog is in an environment with limited ventilation.
Heatstroke is more likely to occur in brachycephalic breeds (like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers) as they have difficulty panting efficiently. These dogs are more prone to severe heatstroke and medical emergencies.
Common factors that can lead to heatstroke in dogs include:
- High environmental temperatures: Leaving a dog in a parked car on a hot day, even with windows cracked, can quickly create excessive head leading to heatstroke.
- Excessive exercise: Overexertion or prolonged exercise in hot weather, especially without access to cool water and shade, can lead to heatstroke.
- Lack of shade: If a dog is exposed to direct sunlight and does not have access to water and shade, they are at increased risk.
- Predisposing factors: Like underlying medical conditions and structural problems.
Prevention: How can you prevent your dog from getting heatstroke?
Here are some tips to help you keep your dog safe and prevent heatstroke on your warm-weather adventures.
Know your dog’s predisposing factors
Every individual dog’s risk of heat stroke is different.
Provide plenty of water
Ensure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water, especially during hot weather — but even if you’re hiking in the shade or with a breeze, too. (Sometimes heatstroke is actually more common on days owners think are cool but that are still warm enough to affect our pets.) Hydration is crucial to help your canine companion regulate their body temperature and avoid thermal injury!
Offer shade
Create a shaded area for your dog to rest in when outdoors. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight for extended periods. Be mindful of how the sun changes position throughout the day!
Avoid hot pavement
On hot days, avoid walking your dog on hot pavement or surfaces. These can burn their paw pads and expose them to a higher concentration of warm air immediately above the asphalt.
Limit exercise in excessive heat
Avoid vigorous exercise during peak ambient temperatures. Instead, schedule walks and playtime during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening.
Never leave your dog in a parked car
Even with the windows cracked, a parked car can quickly become dangerously hot and push your dog’s core body temperature to unsafe levels.
Avoid overexertion
Be mindful of your dog’s energy levels and avoid pushing them too hard during play or exercise, especially in hot weather.
Watch your dog closely
Keep an eye on your dog for any signs of heat-related distress — like the excessive panting, drooling, and weakness mentioned in the previous section — and take immediate action if you notice any symptoms of elevated body temperature.
Treatment: How can you treat heatstroke in dogs?
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heatstroke, take immediate action to cool them down and seek emergency veterinary care.
Cool your dog down
- Move your dog to a shaded or cool area
- Apply cool water (not ice-cold) to their body, particularly around the neck, head, and paw pads
- Encourage them to drink small amounts of fresh water if possible
Why not ice-cold water or ice packs? These can constrict blood vessels and actually hinder the cooling process.
Seek veterinary care
Heatstroke can be a life-threatening emergency. Prompt veterinary attention is crucial!
Even if a dog appears to recover from a thermal injury, internal organ damage may have occurred, so it’s essential to have them examined by a veterinarian to ensure they’re okay in the long run.
Veterinary treatments might include intravenous fluids (fluid therapy), close observation of vital signs, and other supportive care.
Prevent heatstroke in the future
Prevention is the best approach! As mentioned above, avoid exposing your dog to extreme temperatures without proper shade, ventilation, and access to water. Be especially cautious during hot weather. Know your dog’s predisposing factors. And never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a short period.