Here, our Goleta vets explain the causes, symptoms, and treatments for dog heat stroke, along with preventive measures you can take to ensure your pet's safety.
Unlike humans who sweat, dogs eliminate heat from their bodies by panting. When panting isn’t enough, a dog’s body temperature rises, and they can experience heat stroke, which can become fatal if not treated immediately.
What Causes Heat Stroke in Dogs?
Any hot environment can cause heat stroke in dogs. The most common cause is careless action by a pet owner, like leaving a dog in a car or forgetting to provide water and shade when they are outdoors.
Some dogs are more prone to heat stroke than others. Dogs with thick fur, short noses, or those suffering from medical conditions are predisposed to heatstroke. Even dogs who enjoy constant exercise and playtime should be closely monitored for symptoms of heat stroke, especially on hot and humid days
What are the Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Your Dog?
The most telling symptom of heat stroke in dogs is excessive panting. Other symptoms may include signs of discomfort such as drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhea, mental dullness or loss of consciousness, uncoordinated movement, and collapse. Heat stroke in dogs can indicate a serious medical problem and cause unseen problems, such as swelling of the brain, kidney failure, intestinal bleeding, and abnormal clotting of blood. For this reason, immediate veterinary care is highly recommended.
Can I Prevent my Dog from Getting Heat Stroke?
As a pet owner, it is important to be aware of the outside temperature and take appropriate measures to prevent heat stroke, especially during hot and humid conditions. While traveling in cars, make sure that your dog is kept in crates that have good ventilation, and never leave your dog in a car with the windows closed. There are some ways you can try to prevent your dog from getting heat stroke at home including;
- Keep your pet indoors on hot days, except for bathroom breaks
- Make sure your dog has plenty of water
- If they need to be outside, make sure your dog has plenty of shade
- You can let your dog play in cool water, like in a pool or bath tub.
What should I do If I Think my Dog Has a Heat Stroke?
Call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital and tell them you are on your way. On the way to the veterinarian, travel with the windows open and the air conditioner on.
Until you can get to the veterinarian, be sure to:
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Remove the dog from the hot environment immediately.
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Do not give the dog aspirin to lower its temperature which can lead to other problems.
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Let your dogs drink as much cool water as they want without forcing them to drink.
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Cool your dog off with cold water by placing a soaked towel on its back.
What Will the Vet Do If my Dog has Heat Stroke?
With cases of heatstroke in dogs, treatment will include intravenous fluid therapy to replace fluids and minerals that they may have lost. Your veterinarian will also monitor your dog for secondary complications such as kidney failure, development of neurologic symptoms, abnormal clotting, changes in blood pressure and electrolytes abnormalities because these are all very serious and can be dangerous.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.