The Risks of Heatstroke in Dogs
We are excited about the upcoming sunny weather, however, it can pose a serious risk to our beloved pets. As we head into the warmer months, a few lifestyle changes may be needed to ensure our dogs are healthy and comfortable.
Heatstroke in dogs can be life-threatening, so it's essential for pet owners to understand this risk.
This blog covers everything you need to know about heatstroke, how you can protect your dog throughout the summer months and the symptoms to look out for if you think your dog could be suffering from heatstroke.
How hot is too hot for dogs?
Dogs can’t handle the heat as well as we can, as they don’t sweat through their skin. They cool themselves down through panting and through minimal sweat glands on their paws.
Many cases of heat stroke actually occur during late spring or at the start of summer when temperatures are only in the mid twenties. Many pet owners do not think about the possibility of heatstroke during this period, as the weather may be warm but not extremely hot. The reason this period is dangerous is because your pets have not acclimatised to exercising in the warmer weather (even if they were fine the previous summer).
Naturally, once above 30°C, the risk increases even more, particularly for dogs that are active or left outdoors without shelter or water.
We recommend that when the weather is hot, aim to keep your dog cool indoors and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours. This might mean getting in your daily walks much earlier or later than usual or finding alternative ways to keep your dog active.
It is important to also consider the temperature of the ground. Sadly, during the summer months we often treat burnt paw pads. To avoid this, a good rule of thumb is to try and place the palm of your hand flat on the pavement and attempt to hold it there for 10 seconds. If you can do this without feeling uncomfortably hot (or burnt), then it is likely safe to walk your furry friends.
Heatstroke vs. sunstroke in dogs
Heatstroke and sunstroke are terms that can be sometimes used interchangeably, however, it’s important to note that they do have their differences.
Heatstroke in dogs is caused by a rise of their internal temperature due to the impact of external heat. This can be due to either physical activity or high humidity.
Sunstroke in dogs is the result of direct sunlight exposure, causing the body temperature to rise, especially in dogs with dark fur or short noses.
Both conditions are extremely dangerous, but sunstroke can develop quicker, especially on sunny days. This is because direct sunlight can cause a dog to heat up faster than in shaded areas.
What is heatstroke in dogs?
Heatstroke can occur when the dog’s body temperature rises to dangerous levels - typically above 40°C.
If you think your dog may be suffering, you must act quickly. Without giving your dog medical intervention, it can sadly lead to organ failure and death.
Dogs aren’t made to withstand high temperatures, and with additional factors like their coats and the type of breed they are, their body temperature can increase terribly fast.
What causes heatstroke in dogs?
There are several factors that can lead to heatstroke in dogs, therefore it’s important to give them proper care and attention if you think any of these causes could be an issue.
These include lack of acclimatisation to warmer weather and exercise, high ambient temperatures, lack of ventilation or shade, excessive physical activity, and sitting in hot cars.
Types of dog breeds most susceptible to heatstroke
Some breeds are likely to struggle more with higher temperatures than others. This could depend on their breed, their size, or how thick their coat is.
Here are some dog breeds that are most susceptible to heatstroke:
Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds: Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Shih Tzus have shorter airways that make it harder for them to cool down.
Large, muscular dogs: Breeds like Rottweilers and Saint Bernard’s have higher muscle mass, making it harder for them to dissipate heat effectively.
Thick-coated dogs: Huskies, Malamutes, and other dogs with thick fur coats struggle to release heat from their bodies.
Smaller dogs, while not immune, are generally better equipped to handle heat because they have less body mass and a smaller body surface area.
Signs and symptoms of heatstroke in dogs
Knowing the symptoms of heatstroke can help dog owners act quickly.
Watch for these signs:
Excessive panting
Brick red gums
Thick saliva and drooling
Rapid heartbeat and pulse
Weakness or disorientation
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Seizures or unconsciousness
If you notice any of these symptoms, take immediate action to cool your dog down and seek veterinary help.
How to treat heatstroke in dogs
We know it can be scary when our pets become ill, so in this section, we will cover immediate steps you can take to look after your dog if they become unwell from suspected heatstroke.
Immediate steps to take at home
Move your dog to a cooler environment - in the shade or a well-ventilated/air-conditioned room or in front of a fan.
Offer them small sips of cool water. Avoid icy cold water. Although you may be panicking, do not force them to drink the water and let them come to it in their own time.
Saturate your dogs with cool water, using wet towels on their neck and armpits. You should not cover the top half of their body with a towel as you may trap the heat in. Cool wet towels should be frequently changed roughly every 2 or 3 minutes. You could also use your shower head to run cool water all over their body - again making sure the water is not icy cold. DO NOT submerge your dog under water - we have sadly seen dogs aspirate water from this technique.
You should closely monitor your dog's behaviour, breathing and response to these steps.
When to seek veterinary attention
We recommend that you bring your pet to our hospital, even if you’ve seen an improvement in their condition.
Without seeking veterinary help, it’s difficult to rule out any internal organ damage your dog may have or is suffering from.
If you think your dog may be suffering from heat stroke, seek veterinary help immediately. For more information, please get in touch with our team today.
How to prevent heatstroke in dogs
One important thing to remember is that prevention is much better than treatment.
Below, we’ve put together the steps you can take to prevent heatstroke in dogs.
Limit outdoor activity during the middle of the day - keep walks to early morning or late evening. In the warmer months you can help your dog acclimatise by taking them for brief small walks.
Hot surfaces like asphalt or tarmac should be avoided as they can burn your dog’s paws.
Make sure your dog has plenty of shade and fresh water available at all times.
Never leave your dog in a car - even a quick stop can be dangerous. The temperature can quickly rise and become unbearable for dogs (and humans!). In fact, even on a day with mildly warm temperatures at 22°C, within just an hour the temperature can rise to 47°C.
How to keep dogs cool in summer
Beyond just preventing heatstroke, it’s good to keep your dog comfortable during the summer months and you can make it fun and enjoyable for them too!
Here are some tips:
Cooling mats - perfect for hot days and are widely available and accessible in pet stores.
Shallow paddling pools - allows your dog to splash around and get relief from the sun’s heat. To encourage them to use the pool you could even throw in some of their favourite toys!
Indoor fans and air conditioning - to provide comfort indoors.
Regular grooming - to regulate their temperature.
Shaved flavoured ice
Please note. that we recommend against feeding ice cubes to dogs as they commonly cause fractured teeth.
Being vigilant and proactive when it comes to summer, can keep your dog happy and healthy during the hot summer months.
With proper precautions, mindful timing, and quick action if the signs of heatstroke appear, you can ensure that your dog stays safe and enjoys summer alongside you.
If you're ever uncertain about your dog's well-being, it's safest to take precautions, even if they appear to have recovered.
For more information, get in touch with our team today.