How to recognize dog heat stroke

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We are in the dog days of summer which can be a dangerous time for our dogs. They do not sweat in the same way we humans do and can easily become overheated, which can lead to heat stroke and severe medical complications, including death. Watch for the following signs of heat stroke in dogs and contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog is in distress.

1. Heavy Panting

A dog’s primary way to cool off is through panting. Did you know there are different degrees of how strenuously a dog pants? Usually they start with a slightly open mouth and light panting. As they get warmer it will progress to a fully openmouthed pant and a swollen tongue that hangs out to the side. If you notice your dog is panting heavily, get him to a cool and shady spot immediately, preferably somewhere with a fan or air conditioning. Offer your dog fresh water.

2. Excessive Drooling

If your dog is drooling excessively while in hot temperatures it can be a sign that he is having a hard time cooling off. Creating excess saliva helps your dog dissipate heat better than just panting alone. Of course it's best to not wait until your dog is drooling like a faucet to get inside and cooled off.

3. Frequent Breaks Lying Down

While on a summer stroll or during outdoor activities you may have noticed your dog trying to lie down and take a break. This is a clear sign that he is feeling the effects of the heat and probably needs to go inside to cool down immediately. Allow him some time to recover and offer a drink of water before going indoors. If, however, your dog collapses from the heat, wet his coat with water and rush him to a veterinarian or animal hospital.

4. Fast/Irregular Heart Beat

A racing or irregular heart beat is another sign your dog could be overheating. The increased heart rate is the body’s attempt to pump as much overheated blood as possible to the extremities and away from vital organs, where it can cause damage. If this happens to your dog, rush him to a veterinarian or animal hospital.

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Other Signs of Heat Stroke and Distress in Dogs

If your dog exhibits moderate to severe lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea (especially bloody), lack of appetite or neurologic signs such as stumbling and seizures at any point after being in the heat, seek veterinary attention immediately! These could be indications that he suffered damage to internal organs secondary to heat stroke, which can lead to death if treatment isn't initiated rapidly.

How to Treat Heat Stroke in Dogs

Something you can do at home in order to cool down your dog's body temperature while you call a veterinarian or animal hospital; Wet your dog with cool but NOT iced water in order to bring the body temperature down.

How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Dogs 

As with most everything in life, prevention is always the best medicine. A dog should always have access to fresh water and shade to get out of the sun. NEVER leave your dog in a parked car, even with the windows cracked as it can reach dangerous temperatures within minutes. If you have a brachycephalic (smushy-faced) breed like a Pug or Bulldog be aware that their unique anatomy makes them especially sensitive to hot weather. Always pay special attention to the surface your dog will be walking on, especially in the desert heat! Would you like to walk barefoot during the summer on the asphalt?