Sun Safety: Recognising and Preventing Heatstroke in Dogs

A summer spent with your canine companion sounds like bliss, with seaside strolls and time spent relaxing in the garden.

Of course, with the hot weather comes danger for us and our pets. For a safe summer, here is our ultimate guide to heatstroke in dogs.

What is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke is a serious condition that can occur when your dog’s body temperature gets too high. Their normal body temperature is between 38-39°C. If your dog’s temperature rises above 40°C they are at risk of developing heatstroke.

This can cause severe dehydration, blood clotting, seizures, organ damage and eventually death.

The longer your dog has an elevated temperature the more dangerous it will be. It is essential dogs are cooled down as quickly as possible and taken to the vet ASAP.

 Many owners will assume that spikes in temperature during the summer are the biggest risk for heatstroke. The truth is the average UK summer can pose a risk to any animal. Our canine companions have a limited ability to sweat, so to control their temperature, dogs will pant and retreat into the shade.

The most common time for heatstroke to occur is during play and exercise. However, just sitting out in the hot sun in your garden can easily lead to your dog overheating.

Recognising Heatstroke in Dogs

The symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the heatstroke and how long their body temperature has remained too.

Mild symptoms:

• Panting and rapid breathing
• Low energy

Moderate Symptoms:

• Bright red or pale gums
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Drooling and/or foaming at the mouth
• Weakness
• Shaking

Signs of severe heatstroke:

• Losing consciousness
• Vomiting with blood
• Diarrhoea with blog
• Seizures
• Confusion

Treating Heatstroke in Dogs

Understanding how to treat heatstroke in your dog could one day save their life. The faster you can act and cool your dog down, the higher their chance of recovering.

Step 1: Move your dog into the shade or a cool room indoors.

Step 2: Immediately begin cooling your dog

• Create more airflow into the room by opening doors, and windows or turning on a fan.
• Offer your dog cold water- sometimes cats will not drink when suffering but do not force them.
• Pour cool water from the tap over their whole body. If your dog is used to being in the water you can submerge them into a cool bath, just make sure to keep their head out of the water to prevent them from accidentally inhaling any.
• Pop them on top of a cold soaking-wet blanket or towel.
• Use a packet of frozen vegetables, or an ice pack and place it between their legs.
• Naturally, you want to comfort your dog, however, cuddling them will increase their body heat so this should be avoided. Also, avoid placing items (even cooled ones) on top of them.

Step 3: Contact your Vet ASAP

• Ideally, dogs will need to be treated straight away so, if possible, go to your nearest vet. Even if this isn’t your regular surgery, the longer they are without care the higher the risk to their health. Find your closest Pet Practice surgery.
• Ensure the car is cool by putting the air conditioning on or opening all the windows. Place the cool towel in their carrier to continue reducing their temperature during the journey.

It is easy to panic about your dog’s welfare during an emergency like heatstroke. However, do your best to remain calm and if possible, keep someone with you to help.

Remember the quicker they are cooled down the more chance they will fully recover.

Which dogs are at higher risk of heatstroke?

Heatstroke can impact every dog but there will be some who are at higher risk.

1. Obese or overweight dogs. These will find it much harder to keep cool on a hot summer day. For help getting your dog fitter, watch our 3 Tips for Weight Loss video.
2. Long, double or thick-coated breeds. Such as Huskies, Retrievers, and Malamutes.
3. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and Boxers.
4. Senior dogs and very young puppies. These will always be more vulnerable to heatstroke and other health concerns.
5. Dogs with an existing respiratory disease

How can I prevent my dog from overheating?

There is a lot you can do to reduce the risk of heat stroke in your dog.

First and foremost, your dog must have constant access to fresh clean water. Ensure your dog has plenty of shade and that there are cooler rooms in the house that they can retreat to.

Only walk them when it’s cool enough, walking your dog during the hottest part of the day greatly increases their heatstroke risk. The better option is to not walk them at all and instead focus on cooler enrichment at home. Watch our video on 5 Easy Dog Enrichment Games.

Avoid travelling anywhere with your dog during a really hot day and NEVER leave them in a hot car. This will quickly lead to dehydration and subsequent heatstroke.

If you can get them wet during a hot summer day this can be a fabulous way to keep them cool. Investing in a Doggy Paddling Pool will not only stave off the heat but also provide them with lots of entertainment.

Switch from a collar to a harness. This can be especially important for brachycephalic breeds that already have breathing difficulties. Pulling on a collar during a walk will restrict air flow and can increase the risk of overheating.

For more help keeping your pet healthy in the summer, read our blog on Keeping Pets Cool.

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