Heatstroke in Dogs

Heat stroke can occur very quickly in dogs from lack of water, being too active in the heat of the day or being left in parked cars or other areas which are far too hot.

Never leave a dog in a parked car on a hot day, even if the window is down or the car under shade, the temperature can reach over 50C within just a few minutes.  Even around the house, dogs can be struck by heat stroke if they are left without shade or under a hot patio.  They are not able to reduce their temperature like humans can so always need to be in cool conditions with lots of water always available to them.

Any dog that looks like they may be affected by heat stroke must get medical attention very quickly as it can actually result in death.

SYMPTOMS:
Signs of heat stroke include:

• White gums
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Being very hot to touch
• Rapid breathing or panting
• Distress
• Loss of coordination
• Collapse

WHAT TO DO:

• Immediately remove the animal from the hot environment and run cold water over the back of their head.
• Place cold packs or wet towels between the back legs, on the belly and in the arm pits.
• Transport the pet to the veterinarian immediately continuing to apply cool wet towels to the back of the neck and over the body.
• It is no longer recommended to immerse a pet fully in a cold bath since this extreme change in temperature may cause them to become quite sick.
• Once the pet is comfortable again, offer cool water but only in small amounts. Too much water taken in quickly may cause vomiting.

 CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT WAYS TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL IN SUMMER