5 Things to Know About Dogs and Heatstroke

Unlike humans, dogs don't sweat. This means they can't cool off as easily as humans do. Because these furry friends have a harder time cooling off, dogs can easily get heatstroke during the warmer months of the year. The more you know about heatstroke, the better you will be able to protect your dog from getting it. 

Discover five things to know about dogs and heatstroke.

1. Know What Heat Exhaustion and Stroke Are 

Before a dog gets heatstroke, they will first experience heat exhaustion, which occurs when a dog's temperature is higher than their normal body temperature. A dog's normal body temperature is between 101 and 102.5 degrees F. Anytime their temperature is higher than normal, this is cause for concern.

If your dog has been in the heat, a higher-than-normal temperature usually indicates heat exhaustion. The higher the temperature, the worse the condition. If the dog's body temperature gets too high, heat exhaustion turns into a heatstroke.

2. Know What Causes Heatstroke 

Besides being outside in the heat and humidity, other things contribute to heatstroke in dogs.

Some of these contributing factors include:

• The dog doesn't have access to water.
• The dog has been confined to an area without adequate ventilation.
• The dog has exercised or played hard.

Dogs with specific characteristics are more prone to heatstroke than others. For example, dogs with short noses can't pant as well as other dogs to cool down, which means they are more likely to experience heatstroke. Dogs that are hyperactive, obese, or have a long, thick, or dark-colored coat are also at an increased chance of heatstroke.

To prevent your dog from getting heatstroke, always make sure they have water available to them and a shady spot to rest when they are outside in the heat and humidity. Don't ever leave your dog in a vehicle with the windows closed. If the weather is really hot and humid, just leave your dog at home.

Pay especially close attention to dogs that have characteristics that make them more prone to heatstroke. One of the best ways to prevent heatstroke in dogs is to realize how you feel in the heat. If you are too hot, your dog is too.

3. Know the Symptoms of Heatstroke 

You should always pay close attention to your dog when they are outside in the heat. If you notice any of the following symptoms, your dog might have heatstroke:

• Uncontrolled bloody diarrhea
• Loud or harsh panting
• More-than-usual drooling
• Rapid heart rate
• Dry nose
• Seizures
• Unresponsiveness
• Pale mucous membranes

If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to a cool area. You should offer your dog water to drink as well.

You may also want to take your dog's temperature with a rectal thermometer. If the temperature is too warm, you may want to soak your dog in the tub in lukewarm water. If your dog's temperature exceeds 105 degrees F., you should contact your veterinarian.

4. Know the Complications of Heatstroke 

Heatstroke can be detrimental to a dog's health. Heatstroke can cause your dog to have seizures or go into a coma. If the body temperature is really high, your dog's organs will begin to shut down and its heart will stop beating. For some dogs, heatstroke is fatal.

If you attempt to cool your dog down at home, but your dog gets worse, you should take your pooch to the vet.

5. Know Where to Take Your Dog for Heatstroke 

If you live in the Hayward, California, area and think your dog might have heatstroke, contact Alta Vista Veterinary Clinic. Our veterinarians provide a full range of veterinary services, including emergency and urgent care.