Heatstroke: How To Protect Your Dog From This Potential Killer

Are you as excited for summer as I am?

Summer offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities with your dog, from swimming and hikes to water sports, dog parks, and lazy days in the backyard. However, with more fun in the sun comes an increased risk of illness or injury. One of the most common and dangerous summertime emergencies I encounter in the ER is heatstroke. Let’s explore what heatstroke is and how you can prevent it to keep your dog safe and healthy.

Heatstroke is a serious condition triggered by high or humid temperatures and can occur more quickly with exertion or stress. It happens when the body cannot dissipate heat effectively, causing a dangerous rise in body temperature.

Many heatstroke cases I see are due to dogs being left in cars or exercised during the hottest parts of the day. It’s crucial to never leave dogs in cars, even on mild days. A recent study from Stanford University Medical Center found that on a relatively cool 70°F day, the temperature inside a vehicle can increase by an average of 40 degrees Fahrenheit within just one hour, regardless of the outside temperature.

Who Is at Risk?

While all dogs are at risk of heatstroke during hot summer days, certain breeds and conditions make some dogs more vulnerable.

Brachycephalic Breeds

Brachycephalic breeds, characterized by their short muzzles and flattened faces, are particularly susceptible to heatstroke. Their shortened noses and upper airways hinder efficient heat exchange, making it difficult for them to cool down. Examples of brachycephalic breeds include French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Boston Terriers.

Other High-Risk Groups

In addition to breed-specific risks, other dogs more prone to overheating include:

Geriatric Dogs: Older dogs may have a decreased ability to regulate their body temperature.

Dogs with Chronic Diseases: Chronic health conditions can compromise a dog’s ability to cope with heat.

Obese Dogs: Excess weight can impede a dog’s ability to cool down effectively.

Taking extra precautions for these vulnerable groups during hot weather can help prevent heatstroke and ensure your dog’s safety.

Symptoms of Heatstroke

Heatstroke in dogs is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. Recognizing the symptoms early can save your dog’s life.

Early Signs:

Elevated Body Temperature: The dog’s body temperature rises above 104°F.

Disorientation: Your dog may appear confused or unsteady.

Excessive Panting: Rapid, heavy breathing is a key indicator.

Drooling: Increased salivation often accompanies heatstroke.

Agitation and Restlessness: Your dog may seem anxious and unable to settle down.

Physical Changes: The tongue may hang out to one side and develop a purple tinge. The gums can turn bright red.

Advanced Symptoms:

If the early signs are not addressed promptly, the condition can quickly escalate to:

Collapse: Your dog may become weak and collapse.

Coma: Loss of consciousness can occur.

Bloody Diarrhea: This severe symptom indicates internal distress.

Organ Failure: Critical organs begin to shut down.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): This severe condition involves the formation of clots within the blood vessels. DIC is triggered by the body’s response to severe inflammation, which uses up platelets and clotting factors, leading to uncontrolled bleeding.

Recognizing these symptoms and acting quickly is crucial. Without prompt treatment, the chances of recovery diminish significantly. As an ER veterinarian, I see heatstroke cases weekly during the summer, and unfortunately, not all patients survive. Heatstroke is entirely preventable by making informed decisions for your dog.

Steps to Prevent Heatstroke This Summer

• Avoid exercising your dog during the hottest hours of the day. During the warmer days, I recommend that you walk your dog very early in the morning and late in the evening. I often see people walking or jogging with dogs in the heat of the day and on hot pavement! It makes me crazy. This greatly increases the risk of heatstroke in your dog.
• Be sure your dog has access to plenty of shade and cool water if outdoors.
• Keep your dog in air conditioning during the hottest times of day, especially if the humidity is high.
• Do not leave your dog in the car for any period of time.
• Take extra caution if your dog is brachycephalic, geriatric, obese, or has a chronic illness.
• Get your dog in shape. As you work on your beach bod, get your dog in shape as well. Obesity predisposes dogs to heatstroke. Also, drop the highly processed kibble and switch to a whole food diet.
• If your dog has brachycephalic syndrome, consider a consultation with a board certified surgeon to check out options to help your dog breath better before the heat arrives.

Recognize Early Symptoms

• Excessive, loud panting
• Tongue hanging out one side without control
• Excessive froth/drooling
• Restlessness
• Bright red or purple tinged gums
• Reluctance to walk
• Stopping during a walk and trying to find shade to lay down

What to Do if Your Dog Demonstrates Symptoms

• If your dog starts to show any symptoms then:

  1. Stop playing/walking immediately and get them in the shade.
  2. If there’s no vomiting, and they are conscious, offer cool water to drink.
  3. Put them in a cooled car and run the A/C on high.
  4. If your dog is severely affected, dunk them in the cool (not cold) water or wet down with the hose.
  5. Don’t cover your dog in a wet towel, as that can insulate and keep heat in. Cool, running water is best.
  6. Head to the vet.

What to Expect If Your Dog Needs to Be Hospitalized for Heatstroke

• Cooling therapy is initiated immediately. This consists of running cool water over the patient. We want to be careful not to cool the core body temperature too quickly because it can lead to DIC-disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and organ failure.
• IV catheter is placed, and IV fluids are given rapidly to aid cooling and manage the dehydration.
• Injectable antibiotics and gastrointestinal protectants will be administered.
• Blood work, urinalysis, and clotting factors will be tested.
• Blood pressure and cardiac monitoring will be recommended.
• If CNS symptoms such as seizures or coma are noted, then a medication called mannitol may be administered to treat suspected cerebral edema. Oxygen will also be administered to support the brain.
• If the coagulation test is abnormal, then a plasma transfusion may be necessary.

If you take precautions, you can safely enjoy the summer activities with your dog. Be smart, listen to your intuition, and don’t take chances when it comes to your dog’s safety.

Happy summer, my friends!