Can Dogs Get Heat Stroke?

The most serious heat-related illness in pets and humans alike is heat stroke. It occurs when the body’s temperature can no longer be controlled. It is when the body’s temperature rises quickly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can quickly rise to 106°F or higher. But did you know how dangerous heat stroke is for dogs?

Heat stroke is a severe and often fatal result of a dog’s body overheating. Seizures and even death can occur if your dog’s heat dissipation methods cannot offset the rise in body temperature. The best way to keep your dog safe from the dangers of heat stroke is to educate yourself on the warning signs and dangerous situations.

What Causes Heat Stroke in Dogs?

Heat stroke in dogs can occur in any hot environment. The most common cause is a pet owner’s carelessness, such as leaving a dog in a car or failing to provide water and shade when they are outside.

Some dogs are predisposed to heat stroke more than others. Heatstroke is more likely in dogs with thick fur, short noses, or those suffering from medical conditions. Even dogs with plenty of exercise and playtime should be kept an eye out for signs of heat stroke, especially on hot and humid days.

What are the Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Dogs?

Excessive panting is the most obvious sign of heat stroke in dogs. Drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhea, mental dullness or loss of consciousness, uncoordinated movement, and collapse are all possible symptoms.

Heat stroke in dogs can indicate a serious medical problem and cause unseen complications such as brain swelling, kidney failure, intestinal bleeding, and abnormal blood clotting. As a result, immediate veterinary care is strongly advised.

What to Do if Your Dog is Getting a Heat Stroke? 

Inform your veterinarian or the closest emergency animal hospital that you are on your way. Travel with the windows open and the air conditioner on the way to the veterinarian.

Until you can get to the vet, make sure to do the following:

• Remove the dog from the hot environment as soon as possible.
• Giving the dog aspirin to lower its temperature can cause other problems.
• Allow your dog to drink as much cool water as they desire without forcing them to.
• By placing a wet towel on your dog’s back, you can keep them cool.

What Will the Veterinarian Do? 

Heatstroke in dogs will be treated with intravenous fluid therapy to replace fluids and minerals. Your veterinarian will also keep an eye out for secondary complications like kidney failure, the development of neurologic symptoms, abnormal clotting, changes in blood pressure, and electrolyte abnormalities in your dog.

How to Prevent Heat Strokes? 

As a pet owner, you must be aware of the outside temperature and take appropriate precautions to prevent heat stroke, especially in hot and humid weather.

When exercising your dog outside, ensure he is in a well-ventilated area with plenty of water and shade. When traveling by car, keep your dog in crates with good ventilation, and never leave your dog in a car with the windows closed.