Heat Stroke in Dogs

Let’s talk about heat stroke in dogs, this post is prompted by the death of a dog in my area. The family took the dog for a run in a village park in 26-27 degree heat. Later on in the day, they were walking back to the carpark when the dog suddenly collapsed. Onlookers came to the family’s aid and tried to help cool the dog down and attempted to wake him after he became unconscious. Sometime later the dog had died. The family did not seek veterinary help and have decided the sudden death was caused by a heart attack. This is unlikely to be the case as the circumstances point to heat stroke.

Heat stroke is one of the biggest threats to our dogs in the summertime and many are unaware of the risks as this family were.

There are many factors to take into consideration when temperatures soar so let’s look at the facts.

Heat stroke will massively affect dogs that are very small, very large, flat-faced, obese or elderly. This does not mean to say that a perfectly healthy dog may not suffer heat stroke in the same temperatures.

Dogs should NOT be exercised in temperatures over 20-23 degrees and above. Please wait until it is cooler in the early morning or late evening to walk them. Missing a walk won’t kill your dog but heat stroke just might. Overheating in dogs causes organ damage and possible failure with side effects such as brain damage.

Signs of overheating in dogs…

· Excessive panting

· Loud panting sounds

· Glassy eyes

· Trouble walking or standing

· Seizures

· Vomiting or diarrhoea

· Dribbling

· A rash on the pink underbelly

Contrary to belief swimming a dog in sea or fresh water will not help to cool them down as they are still exercising.

To keep your dog safe…

· Have your dog rest in a cool shaded area

· Make sure lots of fresh water is available

· Cool them down by wiping them with cold towels

· Apply cold water to the paw pads

· Have them lay on a cool matt

Never…

· Wrap overheated dogs in wet towels

· Hose them off with cold water

· Submerge them in cold water

Always contact a veterinary professional for help if you suspect your dog has overheated. Make sure you know where your out-of-hours vet is.