Heat Stroke 

This is the Case of Heatstroke that came in our clinic yesterday.

What is Heat Stroke?

Heatstroke is an extremely dangerous condition that can develop if a dog gets too hot. Normal body temperature for a dog tends to sit between 100.4-102.2°F. If your dog’s body temperature goes above 104°F they are at risk of heatstroke, which can cause seizures, organ damage, internal bleeding, coma and even death.
Dogs have limited ability to sweat, so instead, they pant and use shade to cool themselves down on warm days. However, dogs also love to run around, which is why nearly three quarters of heatstroke cases develop while playing and exercising. It can also be caused by simply sitting somewhere too warm, or being trapped somewhere hot, such as a car. Any dog can develop heatstroke, but flat-faced, overweight, giant-breed, thick-coated, very old and very young dogs are most at risk.

What are the signs of Heat Stroke?

• Panting

• Fast breathing/difficulty breathing

• Lethargy (low energy)

• Drooling

• Foaming at the mouth

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Bright red gums/very pale gums

• Shaking

• Weakness and collapse

• Confusion

• Seizures

• Unconsciousness

• Vomiting with blood

• Diarrhoea with blood

How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Dogs?

It’s vitally important to protect your dog from heatstroke, especially if they are flat-faced, overweight, or have a thick coat. There are some simple things that you can do to prevent it, such as:

• Walk them when it’s cool
• Make sure they always have access to shade and water
• Get them wet on warm days
• Use a harness instead of a collar
• Never walk your dog on a hot surface
• Never leave your dog in a car on a warm day
• Avoid travelling with your dog in a car when it’s hot
• Keep your dog a healthy weight
• Consider having your dog clipped

If anything happens with your dog please contact your Vet for treatment and information.