Heat Stroke In Dogs: Signs, Causes, & Treatment
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WRITTEN BY DR. PATRICK MAHANEY
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As the temperature rises, our furry friends are at risk for heat-related illnesses. One of the most serious conditions is heat stroke in dogs, a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate attention. Understanding the signs, causes, and treatments for dog heat stroke can help you act quickly to save your pet's life. In this blog, we'll explore the critical aspects of heatstroke in dogs and offer tips on how to prevent it, especially for more susceptible breeds.
What is heat stroke in dogs?
Heat stroke in dogs occurs when their body temperature rises to dangerous levels, usually above 104°F (40°C). Unlike humans, dogs don't sweat to cool down; instead, they rely on panting to release heat through the respiratory tract and have limited sweating capabilities through their paws. When these mechanisms fail to dissipate heat sufficiently, their internal temperature can spike rapidly.
Dog heat stroke can cause damage to the internal organs, including the brain, kidneys, liver, heart, digestive tract, and other organs, and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Recognizing the early signs and understanding the risk factors are crucial for every dog owner.
Common signs & symptoms of heat stroke in dogs
Recognizing the early signs of heat stroke in dogs is critical for prompt intervention and treatment. Dogs can't verbally communicate their discomfort, so it's up to us to identify the warning signs. Here are the most common symptoms to watch for if you suspect your dog is experiencing heat stroke or heat exhaustion in dogs.
Heavy Panting and Rapid Breathing
One of the first signs of heat stroke in dogs is heavy panting or difficulty breathing. If your dog is panting more than usual and appears to be struggling to catch their breath, this can indicate heat exhaustion in dogs. It's essential to immediately move them to a cooler environment.
Increased Heart Rate
An elevated heart rate is another symptom of heat stroke dog owners should watch for. You might notice your dog's heart beating faster than normal even when they are at rest. This increased heart rate is a response to the body's attempt to cool down and manage the overheating.
You can assess your dog's heart rate by putting your index and middle finger on the upper/inner aspect of the hind limb ("thigh") area and gently but firmly pressing down. Count the number of beats for 15 seconds and multiply by four (or count the beats for 30 seconds and multiply by two).
Normal heart rate can vary from 60-140 beats per minute, with the rate varying depending on the dog's size (slower for larger dogs), energy level (higher in more-excited dogs), hydration status (faster when dehydrated), and body temperature (faster when temperature is increased).
Dry Mucous Membranes & Bright Red Tongue
Dry or sticky gums and a bright red tongue are classic clinical signs of heat stroke in dogs. These signs occur because the body is dehydrated and struggling to maintain adequate moisture levels. If you observe these signs, it's a clear indicator that your dog is overheating.
Unusual Behavior & Difficulty Maintaining Balance
Dogs suffering from heatstroke often exhibit unusual behaviors such as disorientation, confusion, and difficulty standing or walking. They may stagger or seem dizzy, which signals that their body is struggling to cope with the excessive heat.
Elevated Body Temperature
Elevated body temperature is seen with health-stroke in dogs. Normal dog body temperature is 100-102.5F +/- 0.5 degrees pending age, activity, illness, etc. Heat stroke can occur when body temperature rises above 105F or higher.
You can take your pet's rectal temperature with a human or pet flexible digital thermometer that is lubricated and inserted around 1 inch into the anus until the thermometer numbers stop flashing to provide a final temperature reading.
What causes heat stroke in dogs?
Heat stroke in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, mainly due to exposure to excessive environmental heat and humidity. Leaving a dog in a parked car, even with windows cracked, is a common and deadly cause. Dogs can also overheat during vigorous exercise in hot weather, especially if they aren’t acclimated to the heat. Limited access to water and shade can increase the risk of heat stroke since high humidity levels might make panting less effective in evacuating heat from the body.
Heat stroke in dogs treatment
If you think your dog might have heat stroke, don’t hesitate––seek out immediate treatment. In the meantime, you can do a few things to help your dog cool down as fast as possible.
Shade
Start by moving your dog to a cool, shaded area.
water
Offer small amounts of cool water to drink but avoid ice-cold water, as it can cause constriction of blood vessels and lack of normal muscular contraction in the digestive tract, leading to an adverse shock-like effect.
fur
You can also wet their fur with lukewarm water and use fans to increase airflow.
Do not use ice packs or immerse your dog in ice water, as this can cause blood vessels to constrict, worsening the situation. Seek veterinary attention immediately, as professional care is essential for monitoring and managing heat stroke in dogs treatment.
Tips for preventing heat stroke in dogs
Preventing heat exhaustion in dogs involves proactive measures. Avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Ensure they have access to plenty of fresh water and a cool, shaded area to rest. Use cooling mats and provide opportunities for your dog to swim or play in water. Always supervise outdoor activities, especially during heat waves.
Young and higher-energy dogs tend to play harder and may not stop when they really need to rest. Be sure to provide breaks from activity every 15 minutes or as often as needed in warmer climates.
Factors that can increase the likelihood of heat stroke
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of heat stroke in dogs. These include obesity, age (puppies and senior dogs are more vulnerable), and existing health conditions like heart or respiratory issues. Dogs with thick or dark-colored coats are also at higher risk because they retain more heat. Be extra vigilant if your dog falls into any of these categories.
How brachycephalic dog breeds are more susceptible to heat stroke
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Written By a Vetnique Vet
Dr. Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA, CVJ
Dr. Patrick Mahaney works as a concierge-style veterinarian and has a number of celebrity clients through his house-call practice, California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness. He loves building personal, long-term relationships with his clients to best suit their pets’ needs within the comfortable confines of their homes.
To spread his message of holistic veterinary medicine on a large-scale basis, Dr. Mahaney attained a Certified Veterinary Journalist certificate and enjoys contributing to pet-related media projects. He is also a certified veterinary acupuncturist.