Heatstroke

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from a heatstroke, for the best chance of survival, you need to urgently have their body temperature lower gradually and seek immediate medical intervention. Move your dog to a shaded area and douse them with cool water. You can use cool towels and a fan to help cool and also offer small amounts of cool water. Seek medical help as a matter of urgency.

Symptoms:

  • Hypersalivation (drooling)
  • Warm to touch
  • Red mucous membranes of mouth
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Quiet or poorly responsive, may lay down and refuse or be unable to rise
  • Seizures
  • Muscle tremors
  • Ataxia (staggering)
  • Fever. If your dog’s nose is dry and hot instead of wet and cool, they could have a fever. A body temperature above 103°F is considered abnormal.
  • Bright red, gray, purple, or bluish gums.
  • Lack of urine.
  • Muscle tremors - if your dog is shivering or shaking regardless of outside temperature, it may be caused by heat exhaustion.
  • Lethargy or weakness.
  • Vomiting or diarrhea. Abnormally soft stool, or stool with blood in it, is a big warning sign for heat exhaustion.
  • Dizziness.

    • Common Causes: 

    -Heat stroke can be seen in all breeds of all ages, but may be more likely in long haired and brachycephalic (short nosed) breeds as well as younger and older individuals.
    -Elevated environmental temperature and humidity
    -Confinement in a car or other area without adequate ventilation
    -Exercise
    -Restricted access to water
    -Obesity

    Preventative Measures:

    Avoid exercising / walking your dog in the heat.
    Make sure that there is enough access to clean drinking water at all times.
    Cooling mats are encouraged to enable their body temperature to regularise gradually.

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