Heat Stroke in Dogs

by Dr. Rosie Theakston

The importance of keeping dogs cool when it is hotting up

While we are looking forward to some warm summer weather, we need to remember that our fur covered companions can struggle to keep cool. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition which occurs when dogs are unable to regulate their body temperature effectively resulting in temperatures over 40°C. Dogs have limited ways of keeping cool - they cannot sweat or take their coat off, so they keep cool by panting.

Any dog can suffer from heat stroke, but some dogs are more susceptible than others – risk factors include:

  • Overweight dogs
  • Flat faced breeds with narrow airways e.g. French bulldogs, Pugs
  •  Dogs with thick coats e.g. Huskies
  • Animals with pre-existing conditions e.g. airway, heart or lung problems
  • Older or very young animals

It doesn’t always have to be very ‘hot’ for animals to develop heat stroke – exercising in warm weather or staying in a warm or humid environment which is poorly ventilated can cause animals to overheat

Signs of heat stroke may include:

  • Excessive panting, progressing to distressed noisy breathing
  • Drooling
  • Restlessness
  • Red gums
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Confusion, shaking
  • Weakness, collapse
  • Seizures

If you think your dog is suffering from heat stroke it is important that you take action immediately

  • Prevent continued heating – stop exercise, remove from hot environments and into a shaded well-ventilated area
  • Cool them down by pouring water over them or using a hose to soak them. Use any water cooler than the dog and ideally combine this with air movement from a fan to encourage evaporation
  • Healthy dogs who are not suffering from confusion or reduced consciousness can benefit from their body being submerged in cool water
  • Offer water
  • Do not cover dogs with wet towels – this can trap heat
  • Cool first, transport second. Once you have started the cooling process telephone your vet to let them know you are on your way
  • Transport dogs in a cooled well-ventilated vehicle (air conditioning or open windows) so their temperature can continue to fall during the journey

Preventing heat stroke

  • Walk dogs when it is cool or avoid exercise completely on hot days. Check the ground temperature with the back of your hand on hot days if it is too hot for you to hold your hand on it is too hot for paws!
  • Make sure dogs always have access to shade and water inside and out– it is ok to add ice to water bowls.
  • Never leave dogs in a car or hot poorly ventilated rooms e.g. conservatory
  • Help your dog to keep cool in warm weather by allowing them supervised access to a shady paddling pool or sprinkler or giving them wet towels or cooling mats to lie on
  • Groom dogs regularly to remove any excess hair.

Every year veterinary practices sadly have patients who die of heat stroke, we hope that raising awareness of this life threatening condition will give dogs a better chance of survival.