Can Dogs Get Heat Stroke? What Are the Symptoms and how to treat them?

During our physical education days in school, we have been constantly reminded about the dangers of heat stroke as well as identifying the symptoms of it. While we know that heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia, which essentially means a high temperature not caused by a fever, and is dangerous, do you know that dogs can also develop heat stroke?

Indeed, dogs can get heat stroke, especially if you leave them out under the hot sun and on asphalt flooring. It occurs when dogs are no longer able to self-regulate and keep their temperature at a comfortable level.

Instead of asking can dogs get heat stroke, you should be interested in the symptoms how to prevent it from happening and how you can treat your BFF!

What Are The Symptoms?

The reasons why we need to be aware of the symptoms of heat stroke in dogs is because our BBF cannot directly tell us if they are having heat stroke or not. As a loving owner, we should always be mindful of how our pets are coping under testing conditions. 

Detecting heat stroke early and treating it promptly is essential to your dog recovering successfully.

Here are some of the symptoms of heat stroke in dogs. 

1. Excessive Panting and Drooling

While is it normal for dogs to pant, it is not healthy for dogs to pant excessively. If you notice that the dog is panting excessively with its tongue hanging by the side of the mouth, then it is a clear indication that your dog is suffering from heat stroke.

2. Exhaustion

If you are out running with your dog, and they simply keep looking at you or if they are slowing down, then you might want to keep a lookout for your dog's body condition. Of course, if the weather is warm and your dog is showing signs of seizures or sudden loss of their healthy balance, then you should really be aware that the dog might be suffering from heat stroke already. 

If the weather is warm and the dog is drooling excessively, then it is also a symptom of heat stroke. The treatment will be precisely the same as when the dog is panting excessively. 

Do not mistake the regular pants and drools to symptoms of heat stroke. It is common for dogs to pant after exercising.

So what happens when you identify that the dog is indeed suffering from a heat stroke? Do we panic? Not at all! There are some steps at which you can do to start the treatment for heat stroke in dogs. 

How to Prevent Heat Stroke?

As it's difficult to detect heat exhaustion in the early stages, it's a good idea to learn how to treat your dog and avoid Heat Stroke.

1. Remove the Dog from Heat Source and Put the Dog Under Shade

It would be advisable to move your dog into a sheltered place. Carry your dog and place him, preferably, in an air-conditioned area. By doing this, you will help your dog's body temperature to cool down.

2. Feed the Dog with Cool Water

If you can, give your dog some cold water as this will help to lower down the dog's body temperature to the normal levels. If you have access to ice cubes even better! Most dogs love to lick on ice cubes, and this is ideal for the pup if they are suffering from heat stroke.

3. Bath the Dog with Cool Water

If possible, try to bath your dog with room lukewarm water as it helps to bring their body temperature down. Don't use cold water, as it will actually slow down the entire cooling process. The essential areas that you should be focussing on should be the ears, neck, head, as well as the dog's paw. We will recommend you to keep the dog's head upright as it will prevent aspiration pneumonia. 

4. Massaging Dog's Paws

This step is really just to ensure that there is proper circulation in the dog's body. You might wonder why the paw and no other parts of the body. While massaging different parts of the body is good for the dog, the paws will be extremely useful because dogs release heat from the pads of their feet. So, by massaging them, you are actually helping to increase the rate of heat gradually disappearing from the dog's body. 

You can always use alcohol wipes on the dog's paws, as the alcohol does have a cooling effect on the paws too.

And remember, Do not, at any time, allow the dog to move at all if they have te mentioned symptoms. Let the dog's body temperature cool down to its average temperature before any movement from the dog. 

Once the temperature drops, you should bring your dog to the vet for a complete scan of its body.

Sweetie Points to take note

Bottom line, dogs can get heat stroke, and there are several common symptoms that you should have in mind as a pet parent. There are also several tips from Sweetie that will help you overcome this "mini-crisis."

1. Restrict exercise on hot days
2. Never leave dogs in hot rooms or sun traps
3. Avoid long car journeys
4. Make sure they have access to a cool shaded place and cold drinking water
5. Always carry water and a bowl in their treat bag 
6. In summer, walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening
7. Spray your dog with cool water
8. Never leave your dog in a parked car

Because at the end of the day it's all about Dogs. It's all about Love, and It's all about sharing!