Rising temperatures can be dangerous for dogs. For example, heat stroke is a vet emergency that can be fatal if not taken care of in time. Through this Letsgetpet article, learn to recognize the signs of heat stroke in dogs and how to react in the case of one.
What is a heat stroke in dogs?
Heat stroke, or hyperthermia, happens when a dog is no longer able to regulate their body temperature. It is generally caused by excessive heat exposure or a poorly ventilated environment. Unlike humans, dogs do not sweat a lot. Instead, to cool down, they depend essentially on panting. However, this is often not enough when the temperatures are very high.
A healthy dog’s body temperature ranges between 38 and 39°C (≈ 100.4 and 102.2°F). If a dog’s temperature is any higher than 40°C (≈ 104°F), it is considered hyperthermia.
What are the main causes of heat stroke?
Heat stroke can happen to dogs in many situations:
- A dog is left in a car under the hot sun, even for just a few minutes.
- Intense physical effort under high heat (long walk, running, playing).
- A poorly ventilated environment (closed room, no drinking water available).
- Direct exposure to the sun without the ability to sit in the shade.
- Brachycephalic dog breeds such as the English Bulldog and the Pug are more sensitive to the heat.
What signs should I watch out for?
The symptoms of heat stroke can appear rapidly. Here are the main signs to look out for:
- Intense and rapid panting,
- Red or bluish gums,
- Excessive salivation,
- Weakness or confusion,
- Vomiting or diarrhea,
- High body temperature,
- Loss of consciousness, seizures.
If your dog shows one or more of these symptoms, it is an emergency: contact your vet immediately.
What should I do in the case of heat stroke?
If your dog has heat stroke, it is important to act fact and efficiently to raise their chances of survival. As soon as you observe signs of hyperthermia, immediately find a cool area to place your dog. Make sure it is away from the sun and well-ventilated. A room with air conditioning or shade and a well-ventilated area is ideal. Then, start to cool them down progressively. For example, you should not use iced water because cooling your dog down too quickly can lead to a thermal shock. Instead, prioritize room temperature water and gently wet the body of your dog, focus on certain areas of the body such as the stomach, paws, head, and paw pads. This is where wetting the body is most efficient.
At the same time, you can use a fan or create air current to help lower your dog’s body temperature. It is important to not force your dog to drink, however, you can propose room temperature water and keep it close to them. If they accept drinking, this will contribute to rehydrating them, which is essential in this type of situation. Even if your dog seems to stabilize, a vet consultation is necessary. Internal consequences of a heat stroke, notably the vital organs, can be serious and need medical attention. The vet can evaluate the general state of your dog, set up necessary exams, and put in place an emergency treatment if necessary.
How do I prevent my dog from getting heat stroke?
Prevention is key to avoid a heat stroke, especially during summertime. The first rule to remember is to never leave your dog in a car, even for a few minutes. You should also not leave them inside, even if the windows are open slightly. Cars can become extremely hot in just a small amount of time, reaching fatal temperatures very quickly. It’s better to leave your dog at the house or plan your trips around their safety.
On hot days, change the hours of your walks by prioritizing hours that are cooler, like the early morning or evening. Avoid outings in the middle of the day or the afternoon, when the sun if out and the streets are burning hot. Provide your dog with a cool and comfortable environment at the house. For example, keep them in a room with shade that is well-ventilated, and make sure that they always have access to clean and fresh water. If they are outside, make sure that there is enough shaded areas for them to be outside without being directly under the sun.
Some dogs are more vulnerable to the heat than others, notably brachycephalic dogs (like Bulldogs, Pugs, or Shih Tzus), puppies, senior dogs, or obese dogs. Particular attention is necessary. It is sometimes useful to invest in a cooling pad or wet their coat several times a day. In hot weather, it can also be useful to reduce their physical activity to the strict minimum, even reschedule outings to cooler hours. Lastly, remind yourself your. dog’s well-being comes through your vigilance: by adopting careful behavior, you are guaranteeing that their summer is a safe one.
Heat stroke, an emergency that should not be underestimated
Every summer, many dogs get heat stroke. It is often avoidable with just a few simple changes. As a dog owner, your vigilance is the first barrier when faced with dangers related to heat. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to consult a animal health professional. Your reactiveness can save your dog’s life.