Heat Stroke In Dogs: The Signs, Treatment & How To Prevent It This Summer

It’s that time of year when the temperature is climbing and the days become unbearably hot and uncomfortable. We still want to get our dogs out to exercise and play but have to be careful to look out for the signs of heat stroke.

Dogs can’t control their body temperature by sweating like humans and cannot tell us when they are not feeling well. It’s important to know the signs of heat stroke in a dog, how to treat an overheated dog and how to prevent it by making time outside enjoyable and safe.

Click Here to Learn more about What To Do If You Find A Dog Left In An Unattended Hot Car.

What Is Heat Stroke In Dogs?

By definition heat stroke or hyperthermia occurs when the body is unable to dissipate heat normally due to exposure to hot environments or during strenuous physical exercise.

Normal body temperature for dogs ranges from 101 – 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Body temperatures from 105F to 110F are suggestive of heat stroke.

Humans are able to regulate body temperature through sweat glands. Unfortunately, dogs only have a few sweat glands in their paw pads and noses, not enough to help regulate their body temperature. Dogs dissipate heat mostly by panting but when they are unable to properly cool themselves that is when hyperthermia occurs.

Heat stress and heat exhaustion are less severe forms of hyperthermia that should be taken seriously as they can quickly progress to heat stroke. 

What Are The Signs/Symptoms Of Heat Stroke?

Signs and symptoms of heat stroke can quickly progress from less severe to death so it is important to notice the symptoms and take action immediately. Panting is normal for a dog but with heat stroke the panting will become excessive, the dog will start to get distressed and may begin to salivate excessively. 

Below you will find some of the signs of heat stroke in a dog:

• Excessive Panting
• Excessive drooling
• Rapid Pulse
• Change in gum or tongue color to dark red, pale or purple
• Rapid heart rate
• Dry nose
• Restlessness or agitation 
• Poorly responsive (confused)
• Vomiting or diarrhea 
• Blood from mouth or in stool
• Seizures
• Muscle tremors
• Ataxia (staggering)
• Unconsciousness
• Death 

What Can Cause Heat Stroke In Your Dog?

There are many factors that can contribute to heat stroke in dogs along with specific breeds that are high risk of over heating. 

Below are some conditions that can cause heat stroke:

• Dehydration in your dog due to inadequate access to water.
• Environmental conditions such as high temperatures/humidity.
• Poor ventilation.
• Excessive exercise.
• Brachycephalic breeds that have flat-faces. These dog breeds have smaller airways that can prevent proper air flow. Some examples of these breeds include Frenchies, Bull dogs and Pugs.
• Working dogs such as retrievers that are excessively active.
• Dogs who have other comorbidities such as obesity, heart problems or respiratory diseases. 
• Pets left in cars.

How to Help an Overheated Dog.

Heat stroke is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to increase the chances of survival. If you suspect any symptoms of heat stroke, these are the best things to do immediately:

• Move the dog to a well ventilated, cool area & offer water.
• Lower the dog’s body temperature slowly by using COOL, not cold water to sprinkle over their body. The key is to lower the body temperature slowly.
• If you have access, use a fan to blow on them to allow evaporative cooling. 
• Take the dog to the vet IMMEDIATELY.  

What Do Vets Do For Heat Stroke In Dogs?

Treatment at the vet or emergency hospital varies depending on the severity of the case and can include:

• Intravenous fluids to treat dehydration
• Emergency cooling
• Oxygen
• Airway intubation for dogs having difficulty breathing.
• Medications such antibiotics or anti-nausea medications
• Blood Tests
• Blood transfusions

How Fast Can Heat Stroke Kill A Dog?

There is no specific time frame in which a dog may die from heat stroke. Breeds that are high risk of over heating such as the Brachycephalic breeds that have flat-faces and dogs that are older or have comorbidities are more predisposed to heat stroke and may die more quickly.

Can A Dog Recover From Heat Stroke?

Recovery from heat stroke is directly related to how immediate the dog is treated and how early one catches the signs. Dogs can fully recover if caught early enough and receive proper treatment. Without treatment, the dog may have permanent damage or even die. 

How To Prevent Heat Stroke In Your Dog.

Heat stroke is one hundred percent avoidable if one is aware of the signs that dogs show when in distress and knowing the right treatment. Prevent heat stroke in dogs by remembering the following:

• Do not exercise or walk your dog when it is excessively hot or humid.
• Check the pavement using your hands before starting a walk and protect paws from hot pavement by wearing boots.
• Provide plenty of cool water and shade.
• Do not leave your dog in an unattended parked car even with the windows down.

The most important thing you can do is simply leave your dog at home.

What To Do If You Find A Dog Left In An Unattended Hot Car.

Every year, dogs are left in unattended cars that are visibly distressed by the heat. Remember that the temperature in a car rises quickly, even if you leave windows open. 

Educate yourself on your state’s laws about leaving pets in a hot car. Some states prohibit this and allow good samaritans to legally remove the animal from the car.

How to report a dog locked in car:

• Take down the car’s make, model and license plate number. 
• If the car is parked at a business, notify the manager or security guard to make an announcement to find the owner of the car.
• If the owner can’t be found or there are multiple businesses, Call the non-emergency number of the local police or animal control and wait for them to arrive.

Tips To Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer.

• Leave a cooling mat outdoors to lay on or a cot with a canopy which allows proper ventilation and shade.
• Use a cooling vest/jacket or cooling bandana. Keep in mind you will have to periodically check to see if the vest, jacket, and bandana are still wet. 
• Give your dog a frozen treat such as this dog-friendly ice cream or pup-sicle or plain ice. 
• If you have a yard, I recommend a dog pool or simply leave the sprinkler on while your dog plays outside.
• Use Doggy sunscreen- Yes, dogs can get skin cancer too!
• The most important thing you can do is simply leave your dog at home and walk them in the cooler parts of the day.

Have A Fun & Safe Summer!

Websites for further reading:

Pathophysiology of heatstroke in dogs – revisited

Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion in Dogs

Canine Heat Stroke