Wellness Wednesday: Heat Stroke in Dogs

Tips for prevention and treatment

As temperatures soar in summer months, so does our body temperature. Dogs don’t tolerate high temperatures as well as humans. With sweat glands only in their feet and around their nose, dogs are less efficient at cooling themselves than we are. Sadly, this makes them more susceptible to heat stroke.

Heat stroke happens when your pet becomes too hot and unable to reduce their body temperature to cool themselves. Heat stroke can kill, so it’s important to act fast if your dog is displaying any signs of it.

In this article, we explain what heat stroke is, signs of heat stroke in dogs and what to do if you think your pet is suffering from heat stroke.

What is heat stroke?

Heat exhaustion, which occurs when the body gets too hot, can result in a fever or even unconsciousness. While heat exhaustion can happen to anyone subjected to high temperatures, especially when working or exercising, it isn’t always serious. However, if this continues for longer than 30 minutes and turns into heat stroke, it can be life threatening.

Heat stroke is caused when the body is exposed to excessively high temperatures and is unable to regulate temperature (cool itself down) properly. Generally, if a pet's body temperature exceeds 102.9 degrees (Fahrenheit), it is considered abnormal or hyperthermic.

Heat stroke in dogs

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. There are two types of heat stroke — exertional and non-exertional. 

Exertional heat stroke is caused by an increase in the body’s temperature during intense physical activity. It is more likely to occur during hot weather conditions when dogs haven’t had a chance to become acclimated to the sudden change in temperature. 

Non-exertional heat stroke occurs when dogs are exposed to high temperatures without access to proper ventilation or drinking water, and so they are unable to keep themselves cool. This type of heat stroke typically occurs in a yard with no shade, in rooms without ventilation or in a parked car.

Signs of heat stroke in dogs

Although any dog — or human, for that matter — is vulnerable to heat stroke, some dogs are more prone to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. According to an article in Scientific Reports, that includes aging dogs or very young pups, dogs with thick, heavy coats, and dogs with flat faces (breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, etc.). 

If your dog is displaying any of these behaviors or symptoms, they could be suffering from heat stroke:

• Barking, whining or signs of agitation
• Dehydration
• Excessive drooling
• Faster, heavier panting
• Glazed-over eyes
• Increase in body temperature
• Increased pulse and heartbeat
• Seizures
• Staggering, weakness or collapse
• Unconsciousness

What to do if your pet is suffering from heat stroke

Heat stroke can kill, so it’s important to act fast if your dog is displaying any signs of heat stroke. You should immediately do the following:

• Move your dog into a shaded or cool area.
• Cover them with cool water.
• Try to position wet towels beneath them if possible, to speed up the cooling-down process.
• Encourage your dog to drink small amounts of water.
• Take your dog to the nearest vet as a matter of urgency once their temperature has regulated.

Remember, your dog cannot tell you what’s wrong, so you will need to pay attention and recognize what is normal behavior for your pet. 

About YuMOVE

YuMOVE is the United Kingdom’s #1 Veterinary Joint Supplement* that helps ease aches and discomfort associated with training and competition. It is proven to sooth stiffness, support long-term joint health and help mobility. (*Kynetec VetTrack January 2020. Sales of YuMOVE branded products through veterinary wholesalers.)