In the summer months, everyone wants to spend more time outdoors — and our canine companions are no exception. Unfortunately, while people typically know when to head indoors to cool off, dogs sometimes push themselves a bit too far when they’re having fun in the sun — and that’s when you may encounter heat stroke in dogs.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Dogs
According to Steven Berkowitz, DVM, an emergency/critical care veterinarian for NorthStar VETS in New Jersey, the most common symptoms of heat stroke in dogs (otherwise known as hyperthermia) are excessive panting, dark pink to red mucus membranes and gums, an inability to continue with normal exercise, nausea or vomiting, and weakness or passing out. Some less-obvious signs of heat stroke in dogs include an increase in heart rate, muscle cramping, a loss of moisture on the dog’s gums or tongue and erythema (a reddening of their skin).
“Heat stroke is a rapidly progressive and dangerous disorder in which the dog’s body temperature rises above 105 degrees Fahrenheit,” Dr. Berkowitz explains. “Typically, dogs are able to regulate over-heating by panting and evaporative cooling, but in a heat stroke patient, the body temperature will rise uncontrollably without intervention.”
Heidi Houchen, DVM, an emergency/critical care veterinarian for VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists in Oregon, adds that as the bodies of overheated dogs try to cool themselves, their blood vessels dilate, blood pressure drops and internal organs become increasingly damaged. “Depending on the situation, overheated dogs easily and quickly can develop shock, seizures, coma and ultimately die within a matter of minutes,” Dr. Houchen warns.
How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Dogs
The best prevention for heat stroke in dogs is a pet owner who pays close attention to the weather — and knows her dog. “Pet owners are the first and best line of defense for prevention, early recognition and initial treatment of heat stroke,” Dr. Houchen asserts.
If at all possible, she advises keeping your furry friends inside on the warmest or sunniest days. Just make sure your home is consistently kept at a temperature that’s comfortable for both its canine and human inhabitants.
Is Fido your go-to fitness buddy? You’ll also need to have a good understanding of your pet’s personal fitness level — and a willingness to change or shorten your workouts in the name of avoiding heat stroke in dogs. “Do not cycle or jog with your dog if there’s any question as to [your dog’s] physical fitness or the heat,” says Dr. Houchen, who notes that heat stroke in dogs (and related conditions) is prevalent in pets with short faces (brachycephalic dogs like Bulldogs or Pugs).
If you plan on taking any road trips with your four-legged friend this summer, never leave your dog unattended in a car for any length of time. “The best rule to follow is never to let your pet ride with you if there’s any other stop besides the final destination,” Dr. Houchen explains.
Treatment for Heat Stroke in Dogs
If your pet is showing any symptoms of heat exhaustion, give your dog plenty of water — and make sure she drinks it. You can also wet your dog with room temperature water. Dr. Berkowitz advises skipping ice water or ice packs, because they can actually make your pet’s core temperature rise. And, don’t saturate your dog in water because it prevents effective evaporation of the heat. “If your dog is not relaxing and starting to act more like your lovable buddy, immediately bring him or her to the closest animal hospital for treatment,” Dr. Berkowitz advises.
Pet parents should also keep in mind that heat stroke in dogs can happen even on cloudy or cooler days. “You don’t have to live in a southern climate — and it doesn’t have to be August — for heat stroke to occur. In our emergency room, we’ve seen dogs come in with heat stroke on a spring day when the temperature was in the 60s … and in the summer months, owners with young, active, in-shape dogs get into trouble as their ‘live-to-please’ dogs will keep going long after they start having problems with overheating,” Dr. Houchen says.
The Final Word on Heat Stroke in Dogs
As a pet parent, you are your best friend’s advocate when it comes to avoiding heat stroke in dogs this summer. Keep your four-legged friend cool, well hydrated, and offer plenty of breaks when you’re at the park or beach.
“Despite how much fun they’re having, dogs are often too loyal to stop playing with you even if they’re starting to get overheated and tired — they may continue to try and please you until they’ve over-worked themselves into exhaustion and heat stroke,” Dr. Berkowitz concludes. “Just remember that if you’re starting to feel uncomfortable from the oppressive heat, your pet is likely feeling the same way.”
Find out how to avoid heat stroke yourself this summer >>
July is the CHILL ZONE on Dogster.com! Learn how to keep your dog cool, calm and collected this summer with articles on preventing summer mishaps, staving off stress and more.
Thumbnail: Photography ©Jannick Tessier | iStock / Getty Images Plus.
7 thoughts on “How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Dogs”
Pingback: Heat Stroke in Dogs | Warning Signs | Tips to Protect Your Dog
Pingback: Protect Your Dog from the Heat
My Ridgeback (8 yrs old) just loves laying in the sun at any temperature even high 80’s or low 90’s. Once in a while I’ll see her panting for a few minutes, but that’s it, otherwise if she gets too warm she’ll go in the shade for a few minutes and then back into the sun. When she’s been out for over 2+ hours, I’ll call her in, but she won’t come, she’ll just lay in the sun. When enough is enough I have to drag her inside. But when it rains or smells like rain, she won’t go out for 14 to 16 hours. Are other Ridgebacks like this? my other one was basically the same way except she’d come when called.
Hi there Jim,
Thanks for reaching out! Here is are two articles for more information on Ridgebacks:
https://qa.dogster.com/dogbreed/rhodesian-ridgeback
https://qa.dogster.com/dogbreed/thai-ridgeback
There are also homeopathic remedies that can be given for heatstroke as well to help the animal based on the symptoms it is having – of course you want to do all the above as well but many homeopathic remedies can be kept at home or you can carry them with you since you can take them for humans, of course, as well. Don’t ask me which ones as there are many that can be taken and I’d have to type each one with all the symptoms – 😉
when power went out last year during hurricane irma, there were numerous dogs at the veterinary emergency center. one of them was mine. mischa, my senior girlie, had overheated—indoors with the windows open.
dogs with laryngeal paralysis are highly susceptible to heat stroke. we were unaware that mischa had LP. she was stabilised, but overheated agin the next day and could not recover. yes, dogs can get heatstroke indoors, out of the sun.
At one time I lived 7n Baltimore, MD, right in the center of the city. Summers were hot, 100 degrees F was not unheard of. My two dogs were Tibetan Terriers and jet black. When we had to walk in the sunny, hot times of day they wore white linen sun coats. Thin linen held in place like a coat. They looked like jousting houses from the middle ages. I’d also carry a spray bottle filled with water, misting them occasionally. It seemed to work well. Without the sun coat their backs felt quite hot in the sun, with them they were cool.