What you need to know to prevent heatstroke in dogs

Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Nelson, DVM, on 11 July 2022

Heatstroke is a potentially fatal disorder for both dogs and humans and is most commonly seen during the hotter summer months. It is defined as a state of extreme hyperthermia with an internal body temperature of 106°F that results in thermal damage to the brain and other organs. Heatstroke occurs when the release of heat exceeds the body’s ability to dissipate or remove heat.

This condition is rare in cats but occurs frequently in dogs. Dogs that are particularly at risk for heatstroke include:

• Dogs left in parked cars
• Puppy
• Senior dog
• Dogs with short muzzles (Puppies, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pekingese, Boston Terriers, etc.)
• Dogs with thick coats (Huskies, German Shepherds, Akitas, Malamutes, etc.)
• Overweight dogs and appearance
• Dogs with underlying medical problems (arthritis, heart disease, respiratory or endocrine disorders, collapsed trachea, etc.)
• Dogs that live in hot and humid climates
• Dogs exercise hard
• Dogs are not adapted to hot weather

iStock / Mlenny

Why does heatstroke happen?

Thermoregulation is controlled by a special center, the hypothalamus, in the dog’s brain. Core body temperature is kept relatively constant by this brain region despite fluctuations in ambient temperature.

As the temperature around the dog and inside the dog rises, the regulatory center in the brain stimulates panting, drooling, and dilation of the body’s blood vessels to cool the body by flying vapor and radiation.

Since dogs sweat mainly from their paws, perspiration is not an effective cooling method for dogs. When dogs’ natural cooling mechanisms can’t keep up with their rise in body temperature, heatstroke occurs.

How to prevent sunstroke

Heatstroke, while dangerous, is a very preventable condition and can be easily defeated with a little awareness. Being aware of the temperature and humidity in your area, paying attention to your dog’s nonverbal cues, and staying vigilant will help ensure both you and your dog have a safe and healthy summer. fun. Here are some tips and tricks to beat the heat:

1. Never leave a dog in a parked car or other enclosed space, no matter how short a time, even if the window is open or cracked. Cars can get up to 20 degrees hotter outside in a few minutes — up to 40 degrees hotter in an hour — and dogs will naturally be hotter than people.
2. In extreme heat, keep pets indoors. If there is heat advice for humans, the same is true for pets.
3. Never leave your dog unattended in the hot sun. Heatstroke can occur in less than 30 minutes depending on temperature and humidity, even with access to water and shade.
4. During periods of intense heat, limit outside exposure, play and travel as much as possible. Hiking and other outdoor activities during the coolest times of the day, like early morning or late evening. Do not allow strenuous exercise such as running or chasing a ball outdoors when the temperature is too high.
5. Know how humidity affects heat index in your area. The heat index is the combined effect of both temperature and humidity and can give you a better idea of ​​what the outside temperature is really like.

iStock / MonikaBatich

Some common signs of heatstroke in dogs include:

• Heavy panting
• Rapid and/or difficult breathing
• Increase heart rate with a limited beat
• Comatose
• Lack of coordination
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Tongue or gums that are dark red or purple
• Convulsions
• Unconsciousness or collapse
• Excessive drooling / salivation

Salivation occurs when the body works harder and harder to get rid of the pent-up heat. As heatstroke progresses, severe breathing failure occurs. Many dogs will seem unable to breathe. Turn your lips over and look at the gums and tongue — the gums become bright red and bruises on the gums or skin can be seen.

As the condition worsens, collapse, convulsions, coma, and abnormal mental state occur. Urinating more, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting blood can occur due to damage to the blood vessels in the intestines and stomach.

One sign that the condition is getting worse is when gums that were previously red and dark have turned pale and gray. Then the pulse weakens. Elevated body temperature may drop below normal, and neurological signs such as seizures and coma may occur, often before death.

Keep an eye on your pet at all times in hot weather

Don’t wait until your pet is showing signs of heatstroke: then the chances of death are much higher.

If you notice any signs of heatstroke in your dog, get the dog out of the heat immediately, preferably into an air-conditioned room or home, give him plenty of water, and begin the cooling process in the morning. when going to the vet.

What to do if your dog has heatstroke?

Cooling is very important. Begin cooling efforts before and on your way to the nearest vet. However, cooling too much can make things worse. The most important thing to do is get the dog to the vet — any vet — quickly.

What you can do to help:

• Get your dog out in the sun, ideally in an air-conditioned home.
• Place the dog on a cool surface – tiled floors are fine – or in the bath or shower as you will get them wet.
• Wet the dog thoroughly with cool or room temperature water.
• Wet your ears and feet with cool water.
• Aim the fan at them if available.
• Use a rectal thermometer to monitor their temperature every few minutes.

What not to do:

• Do not use ice or cold water. This causes the blood vessels in the skin to constrict, trapping heat in the core of the body, where the most damage is done.
• Do not cool down your dog. When the rectal temperature drops to 103 F, stop the measures described above and go to the vet if you still haven’t gone.
• Don’t force your dog to drink — you can have a bowl of cool water ready if your dog likes to drink it himself.
• Do not leave your dog unattended for any length of time.
• Don’t take the “wait and see” approach. Dogs that are allowed to “sleep” are almost always worse afterward.

When your dog arrives at the veterinary hospital, the health care team will receive more intense therapies if needed.

What is the prognosis for dogs with heatstroke?

The overall prognosis for a dog with heatstroke depends on the length of time the animal has had an increase in temperature, the extent of the temperature rise, the extent of organ damage, and the response to aggressive supportive care. Whether the dog can recover depends on whether the dog has risk factors such as old age, encephalopathy, or a particularly serious cause of stroke – being stuck in a car leads to dangerous situations. most serious case.

Animals that have been rehabilitated may still have some neurological deficits. In a study of 54 cases, the overall mortality rate was 50%.

Cool down your pet with proper precautions. The dog summer days It can be an exciting time for everyone, as long as you feel comfortable and safe at all times.

Read more