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Written by: Sarah Seward-Langdon
Published on: 08/28/2024
Even as we come out of the heat of summer, our dog companions can still be at risk for heat-related illnesses. Heatstroke in dogs is one of the more severe issues.
Dogs, unlike humans, don’t sweat to cool off. Instead, they primarily regulate their body temperature through panting. This limited ability to cool down makes them especially vulnerable to overheating. That means even when it feels cooler for us, a dog still may find it too warm outside!
That’s why it’s crucial for every pet owner to understand the signs of heatstroke, even after the hottest temperatures have passed! As a pet parent, your quick reaction can be the difference between the life and death of your precious canine companion.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the key signs of heatstroke in dogs, the underlying causes, and preventive measures to keep your dog safe from overheating no matter the weather outside.
Your dog’s reaction to heat happens in stages.
The first stage is a fever, otherwise known as hyperthermia. This happens when a dog’s body temperature rises above the average 101.5°F (38.6°C). It gets increasingly dangerous when their body temperature is above 105°F (40.6°C)—at this point, your dog could be suffering from heatstroke [1].
If heatstroke is left untreated, this condition can lead to severe organ damage, brain swelling, and even death. While all dogs can be affected by heatstroke, certain breeds and factors increase the risk, making it important to recognize the early warning signs.
Some of the most at-risk breeds include:
Chow chow
Bulldogs
Greyhounds
Pugs
Generally, research showed that older dogs, overweight dogs, and those weighing more than 110 pounds are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. The study, published in Scientific Reports, also points out that breeds with flat faces, such as pugs and French Bulldogs, are at a higher risk [2].
Before exploring the signs of heatstroke, we think it will be helpful for you to understand what causes this potentially life-threatening condition.
High Temperatures and Humidity: Dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke during hot and humid weather, especially when they’re left outside for extended periods or in poorly ventilated areas.
Overexertion: Intense physical activity, such as running or playing fetch, can quickly lead to overheating, particularly in warm weather.
Lack of Access to Water: Dehydration can aggravate the effects of the heat, making it harder for dogs to regulate their body temperature and possibly overheating more quickly.
Enclosed Spaces: Leaving a dog in a car, even with the windows cracked, can cause the temperature inside to jump up in just minutes, leading to heatstroke.
Recognizing the signs of heatstroke in dogs is vital for quick and effective intervention. Here are some of the key symptoms to watch out for when taking care of your dog in warmer weather [3][4]:
Panting is a dog’s primary way of cooling down, but when it’s excessive, it can be a sign of overheating. If your dog is panting heavily, especially in a hot environment, it’s time to do something. Be proactive, not reactive!
You should also look out for any accompanying signs, such as thick, sticky saliva or drooling. These combinations can indicate that your dog is struggling to regulate its body temperature.
Healthy dogs typically have pink gums, but during heatstroke, the color may change. Red gums can be a sign of overheating, as the blood vessels dilate in an attempt to release heat.
In contrast, pale or white gums can indicate that the body is in shock and struggling to circulate blood effectively.
If your dog is suffering from heatstroke, their heart rate could increase dramatically as the body tries to pump blood to the skin’s surface to release heat. To find out your dog’s heartbeat, place your hand on your dog’s chest, right behind their front leg. If you notice a faster heartbeat along with other signs of heatstroke, it’s a serious red flag.
A dog suffering from heatstroke may become unusually lethargic, showing little interest in its surroundings or in activities it usually enjoys. Weakness and unsteady movement, such as staggering or collapsing, are also common. This can occur because the body is diverting energy away from normal functions to try and cool down.
Gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and diarrhea, is an accompanying sign of heatstroke. In severe cases, you might also notice blood in your dog’s vomit or stool. This is a sign that the condition is progressing rapidly and requires immediate, urgent veterinary attention.
Heatstroke can affect a dog’s neurological function, which can make your dog more confused or disoriented. You might notice your dog acting strangely, such as walking in circles, staring blankly, or not responding to commands. This is a sign that the brain is being affected by the high body temperature. At this point, you should treat the situation as an emergency.
In the most severe cases, heatstroke can cause seizures or even lead your dog to collapse and lose consciousness. If your dog experiences any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek veterinary care immediately. Many of these are signs of advanced heatstroke and could be life-threatening if not treated as soon as possible!
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✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, you must act quickly to save your dog’s life .Here’s what you should do [1]:
Move Your Dog to a Cooler Area: Immediately get your dog out of the heat and into a shaded or air-conditioned space.
Cool Your Dog Down Gradually: Use cool (not cold) water to wet your dog’s body, especially the belly, underarms, and paws. Avoid using ice-cold water, as it can cause blood vessels to constrict, trapping heat inside.
Offer Water: Encourage your dog to drink small amounts of cool water. Avoid forcing them to drink, as this can lead to choking.
Contact Your Vet: Even if your dog appears to be recovering, you should seek veterinary advice. Heatstroke can cause internal damage that isn’t immediately visible, so getting an evaluation from a professional is crucial.
Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to heatstroke. Here are some tips to keep your dog safe during hot weather [4]:
Avoid Strenuous Activity: Limit exercise during the hottest parts of the day. Choose to walk or play during cooler times, such as early morning or late evening.
Provide Shade and Water: Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water and a shaded area to rest in. If your dog must be outside, consider using a kiddie pool, cooling vest, and elevated, covered bed. This may sound like you’re just pampering your dog—but these cooling tools could be the difference between life and death!
Never Leave Your Dog in a Car: Even on a mild day, temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, posing a serious risk of heatstroke.
Monitor High-Risk Dogs Closely: Dogs with thick coats, brachycephalic breeds (like bulldogs and pugs), older dogs, and those with existing health issues are more susceptible to heatstroke. Remember to monitor these dogs more carefully in warmer weather!
Heatstroke is a serious condition that can have truly devastating and even lasting consequences for dog. However, it’s also totally preventable if you take the right precautions and are proactive!
By understanding the signs of heatstroke and acting quickly, you can protect your canine companion from the dangers of overheating. Remember to keep your dog cool, hydrated, and safe during hot weather, and always go to a vet for professional advice is you suspect heatstroke.
Your dog’s health and well-being are in your hands. Stay vigilant, be prepared, and enjoy a safe, happy rest of your summer with your furry friend!
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
"Sarah is a marketing specialist with a passion for anything creative! Her openness to working across industries and job opportunities has allowed her to gain enormous amounts of experience in graphic design, video production, and written content creation. Animals have a special place in her heart as she grew up with cats and now owns her own Alaskan Malamute. She has spent the last couple of years in Vancouver working with different companies within the pet industry and gained valuable knowledge about the ins and outs of the (alternative) pet food industry, supplementation, and various training methods. When she’s not digitally creating content for pet lovers to consume, she’s out eating great food, dancing at drop-in classes, or exploring the beautiful Canadian scenery with her fur-child Miso."
