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dog heatstroke

Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency. The dog hardly sweats: it releases its heat by panting. When the air is hot or humid, this system becomes ineffective and the body temperature rises without being able to come down. Beyond a certa...

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Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Beyond a certain threshold, heat destroys cells throughout the body: brain, intestine, liver, kidneys, blood clotting. The damage continues even after cooling.

It's a situation that kills dogs every summer, and it's almost always preventable. In Tunisia, where summer temperatures are high for several months and the interior of a vehicle can become deadly in a few minutes, vigilance must be constant from May to September.

Key point

VITAL EMERGENCY. Cool immediately with cool water, never ice cold, then take the dog to the veterinarian without delay, even if he appears to be recovering. Never leave a dog in a car, even in the shade and with the windows ajar.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Rapid breathing Difficulty breathing Excessive salivation Vomiting Diarrhea Reduction Staggering gait Tremors Seizures Lying animal that does not get up Dehydration Fever Heat intolerance Shortness of breath on exertion Restlessness

Intense and loud panting, very rapid breathing, an outstretched and bright red tongue.

Profuse and thick salivation.

An agitation, then a weakness, a dog that staggers, bumps into itself, can no longer stand up.

Vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes with blood.

A deep despondency, a fixed gaze, a lack of response to the call.

Brick red mucous membranes at first, then pale or bluish when the condition worsens.

Tremors, convulsions, coma.

A very high body temperature: this is hyperthermia linked to the environment, and not a fever due to an infection; the body is no longer able to evacuate heat.

A dog lying down and never getting up is already in a critical situation.

Caution: A dog may appear to recover after cooling and deteriorate seriously in the hours that follow.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

Exposure to high temperature without the ability to dissipate heat.

The vehicle is the most common and deadliest cause: the passenger compartment rises very quickly, even in the shade and even with the windows half-open. There is no acceptable duration.

Physical exertion in hot weather: walking, playing, running next to a bike, jogging, dog sport.

A dog tied up in the sun without shade or water, or locked in a box, veranda, closed terrace or exposed balcony.

Transport in a poorly ventilated box.

High humidity, which blocks evaporation and makes panting ineffective.

A hot ground, like asphalt in the middle of the day, which heats the dog and burns its pads.

Flat-faced breeds – French Bulldog, Pug, English Bulldog, Boxer, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Boston Terrier – are by far the most exposed: their panting cooling system is mechanically ineffective and they can tip over in a few minutes. See the “Brachycephalic syndrome” sheet.

Overweight or obese dogs.

Senior dogs and puppies.

Dogs with long, thick hair or dense undercoat, and breeds of Nordic origin.

Dogs suffering from heart disease, respiratory disease, tracheal collapse or laryngeal paralysis.

Very sporty or very excited dogs who don't stop on their own.

Black or dark dogs, which absorb heat more.

Dogs not used to heat, during the first heat waves of the season.

Lack of permanent access to shade and fresh water.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

Heat stroke is treated in a clinic. Cooling started at home never replaces consultation: the organs can be affected even though the temperature has dropped.

While waiting and during the journey: put the dog in the shade in a ventilated area, wet its body with cool water — never ice cold — paying particular attention to the stomach, inner thighs, armpits and neck, circulate the air with a fan or open vehicle windows.

Never use ice water or ice cubes, and do not cover the dog with a wet towel which traps heat: cooling must be gradual, otherwise the condition will be aggravated.

Offer fresh water if he is conscious and able to drink on his own, never force or pour water into an unconscious dog's mouth.

Inform the clinic that you are arriving for a heat emergency.

On site, the veterinarian continues the cooling in a controlled manner, sets up an IV, oxygen, monitors the temperature, coagulation, kidneys and liver, and hospitalizes the dog for at least twenty-four to forty-eight hours in serious cases.

Treatment

The treatment is hospital-based and aims to cool in a controlled manner and then support the organs.

The infusion corrects dehydration and shock, and protects the kidneys.

Oxygen therapy supports breathing; Sedation or intubation may be necessary in flat-faced dogs.

Treatments protect the digestive tract, correct clotting disorders and control seizures.

Monitoring continues for several days, because complications often appear late.

No human anti-fever medication should be given: they are ineffective for hyperthermia of environmental origin and many are toxic for dogs.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Never leave a dog in a car, even for a few minutes, even in the shade, even with the windows ajar. This is the most important rule and it has no exceptions.

Avoid going out during hot times: in summer, only walk early in the morning and late in the evening.

Check the ground with the back of your hand: if it's too hot for you for five seconds, it will burn the pads.

Eliminate efforts, ball games and sports as soon as the temperature rises.

Provide permanent shade and fresh water, both indoors and outdoors.

Ventilate the rooms, use a fan or a cool tiled room, a cooling rug.

Never leave a dog locked on a balcony, an enclosed terrace or in a veranda.

Never tie a dog up in the sun.

Pay particular attention to flat-faced dogs, overweight, elderly or sick dogs: for them, simple ambient heat is enough.

When traveling, provide breaks in the shade and water, and never transport a dog in a closed trunk without ventilation.

Possible complications

Brain damage, with convulsions, coma and sometimes permanent neurological sequelae.

Acute renal failure.

Liver damage.

Serious coagulation disorders, with diffuse bleeding, which often appear twenty-four to forty-eight hours later.

Destruction of the intestinal wall, with bloody diarrhea and passage of bacteria into the blood.

Heart muscle damage and rhythm disturbances.

Cardiac arrest and death in severe forms.

Increased sensitivity to heat for several weeks after the episode, with risk of recurrence.

When to see a veterinarian

Your dog is panting intensely and does not calm down despite resting in the shade: go to the veterinarian immediately.

He staggers, seems disoriented, becomes unresponsive, or collapses.

He vomits, has diarrhea, especially with blood, after exposure to heat.

Its gums are bright red, or on the contrary pale or bluish.

He was found in a car, balcony or overheated room, although he seemed to get better afterwards.

He convulsed or lost consciousness.

In all cases of suspected heatstroke, consult the same day, even if the dog seems to be recovering: complications often arise after the fact.

Prognosis

The prognosis directly depends on the speed of treatment. A dog cooled properly and brought in very quickly can recover completely.

The longer the temperature remains high, the deeper the organ damage and the more guarded the prognosis.

Forms with convulsions, coma, bloody diarrhea or clotting disorders are serious and can be fatal despite intensive care.

A dog that has suffered heatstroke remains more sensitive to heat for several weeks and must be protected with increased vigilance.

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave my dog in the car for five minutes with the windows ajar?

No, never, and there is no certain amount of time. The passenger compartment turns into an oven very quickly, and the half-open windows hardly change anything. In high heat, a few minutes are enough to cause fatal heat stroke. If you can't take your dog with you, leave him at home.

Should it be immersed in ice water?

No. Ice water constricts the skin's vessels and blocks heat evacuation; it can worsen the condition. Use cool water, wet the body, focusing on the stomach, inner thighs, armpits and neck, add a stream of air, then go to the vet.

My dog feels better after being refreshed, should I still consult?

Yes, absolutely and the same day. The temperature can drop again when the kidneys, liver, intestine and coagulation are already affected. The most serious complications often appear within twenty-four to forty-eight hours.

Is my bulldog really more exposed?

Much more. Flat-faced dogs dissipate heat very poorly through panting, which is their only means of cooling. For them, a simple walk in the sun or a poorly ventilated room may be enough. The “Brachycephalic syndrome” sheet details why and how to protect them.

Can I clip my dog to help him?

It depends on the coat and it is not systematically beneficial: in certain breeds, the undercoat plays an insulating role against the heat, and short clipping exposes the skin to sunburn. Ask your veterinarian for advice; Regular brushing to remove dead hair is often more helpful.