Avoiding a Summertime Sadness - Heatstroke in Dogs

Written by Dr. Amanda Topolski

With summertime coming and the outside temperatures starting to get warmer, it’s time to be cognizant about time spent outside with our furry family members. While they may love to run around at the dog park for hours, or while it may not seem harmful to leave them in the car for “just a few minutes” while grabbing something in the grocery store, these are the exact scenarios that can lead to heatstroke in dogs. 

What clinical signs may you see with heat stroke? 

Heat stroke can affect many of the body’s organ systems, so you may see an abundance of different clinical signs, but some of the most common ones dogs will initial present with are the following;

• Collapse or “fainting” episodes

• Very heavy panting 

• Gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling)

• Seizures 

What should you do if you think your dog is experiencing heat stroke?

Call the closest emergency room veterinarian to let them know you are on your way and begin active cooling of your dog while driving by placing the air conditioner in the car directly on your dog. 

What dogs are more susceptible to experiencing heat stroke?

While any dog can experience heat stroke, there are a few patients who are more likely to experience it than others:

• Brachycephalic dogs — so, our “squishy faced” breeds (ex: French bulldogs, English bulldogs, Boston terriers, pugs, shih tzus, etc). 

• Dogs with underlying upper airway disorders, such as dogs previously diagnosed with tracheal collapse or laryngeal paralysis 

• Dogs with underlying cardiac disease 

• Dogs with underlying lung disease 

• Dogs who recently moved to a warmer environment and were not given proper time to acclimate to that environment 

• Geriatric dogs 

• Overweight dogs 

How can you avoid heat stroke in your dog?

• If you have a dog who is more susceptible to succumbing to heat stroke, avoid long periods of time outside during the hot summer days and only go outside for the purpose of using the bathroom. 

• Try to go for walks in cooler, shaded areas. 

• Bring water to provide your dog on walks or at playtime at the dog park (there are plenty of “pop up” refillable bowls that can be purchased online)

• Do not leave your dog unattended in the car, even if it is for a short period of time or if the window is cracked. 

• If you adopt or purchase a high-risk breed, discuss potential options for correction or management of their issues, to potentially help with their individual risks. 

The bottom line: heat stroke can be a potentially life-threatening emergency. It is important to catch it as soon as possible and to bring your dog to the emergency room as soon as possible so proper treatment can be initiated. Starting active cooling measures while on the drive to the hospital really does make a difference. Remember, though, prevention, prevention, prevention!