Heatstroke in dogs : what you need to know

By following these tips, you can help prevent heatstroke in your dog and keep them safe during hot weather. Here is our guide for pet parents.

How to prevent HEATSTROKE?

• Provide Shade and Fresh Water: Ensure your dog has access to cool, shaded areas, and always provide plenty of fresh water to help them stay hydrated.
• Avoid Hot Surfaces: Be mindful of hot surfaces such as asphalt or concrete, as they can burn your dog’s paws. Walk your dog during cooler times of the day, like early morning or late evening.
• Limit Exercise During High Temperatures: Adjust the intensity and duration of your dog’s exercise according to the weather. On hot days, opt for shorter, less strenuous walks and avoid midday heat.
• Use Cooling Products: Consider investing in cooling vests, mats, or bandanas designed to help your dog stay comfortable in hot weather.
• Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car: The temperature inside a parked car can rise rapidly, putting your dog at risk of heatstroke. Always take your dog with you or leave them at home when running errands.
• Be Mindful of Your Dog’s Breed and Health: Certain breeds, such as brachycephalic dogs (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs), are more prone to heatstroke due to their facial structure. Overweight, elderly, or dogs with health issues are also at higher risk. Take extra precautions for these pets during hot weather.
• Provide a Kiddie Pool or Sprinkler: Set up a shallow pool or sprinkler for your dog to cool off in during hot summer days.

Recognizing the Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs

Heatstroke is a potentially life-threatening condition for dogs, so it’s crucial to know the signs and act quickly if you suspect your pet is suffering from it. Here are common signs of heatstroke in dogs:

Excessive panting and drooling: Dogs regulate their body temperature by panting, but excessive panting and drooling can indicate overheating.

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat: A fast or irregular pulse is a sign that your dog’s body is struggling to cool down.
• Bright red, pale, or bluish gums and tongue: Abnormal gum and tongue colors can indicate poor blood circulation due to heat stress.
• Lethargy and weakness: A dog suffering from heatstroke may appear sluggish, disoriented, or unable to move.
• Vomiting and diarrhea: Nausea and gastrointestinal upset can occur as your dog’s body struggles to regulate its temperature.
• Collapse or seizures: In severe cases of heatstroke, dogs may collapse or experience seizures due to high body temperatures.
• Glassy eyes and a dazed expression: Your dog may appear disoriented or unresponsive, indicating neurological issues caused by overheating.
• Increased body temperature: A rectal temperature above 103°F (39°C) is considered elevated, while a temperature above 106°F (41°C) is a critical emergency.

Factors That Predispose Dogs to Heatstroke

Certain factors can increase a dog’s susceptibility to heatstroke. Being aware of these predisposing factors can help pet owners take extra precautions to protect their pets during hot weather:

Breed: Brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed dogs) such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, and Shih Tzus are more prone to heatstroke due to their facial structure, which makes breathing more difficult.

• Age: Young puppies and older dogs have a harder time regulating their body temperature, putting them at a higher risk of heatstroke.
• Weight: Overweight or obese dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke, as their excess body fat acts as insulation and makes it harder for them to cool down.
• Coat type: Dogs with thick or dark coats can overheat more quickly, as their fur traps heat and absorbs sunlight.
• Pre-existing medical conditions: Dogs with heart, lung, or respiratory issues may struggle to regulate their body temperature, increasing their risk of heatstroke.
• Dehydration: Inadequate water intake can contribute to heatstroke, as dehydration impairs a dog’s ability to cool down through panting and evaporation.
• Lack of acclimatization: Dogs that are not accustomed to hot climates or have recently moved to a warmer environment may be more vulnerable to heatstroke.
• High humidity: High humidity levels can hinder a dog’s ability to cool down through panting, as the moisture in the air reduces the effectiveness of evaporative cooling.
• Overexertion: Intense physical activity during hot weather can cause a dog’s body temperature to rise rapidly, increasing the risk of heatstroke.
• Confinement in poorly ventilated spaces: Dogs left in hot, poorly ventilated areas, such as cars or enclosed yards, can quickly develop heatstroke due to the rapid increase in ambient temperature.