How long can heat exhaustion last in dogs? What to Know

What are the signs and symptoms of heat stroke in dogs?

There are a number of signs and symptoms of heat stroke in dogs to look out for. Signs and symptoms will quickly progress, becoming more severe and can lead to death. The early signs of heat stroke dogs will exhibit include, some or all of the following:

High body temperature

Restlessness or agitation

Excessive panting or difficulty breathing

Drooling, often very thick saliva

Change in gum colour (dark red, pale, purple, or blue)

As the condition worsens, signs and symptoms progress to include:

Vomiting or diarrhoea (possibly with blood)

Increased heart rate

Lethargy or collapse

Dizziness – are they struggling to walk in a straight line?

Muscle tremors

Seizures

Unconsciousness

While not as common, cats can in fact develop heat stroke. Symptoms and signs of heat stroke in cats is very similar to what dogs exhibit, however there are a couple of signs and symptoms that are unique to cats.

How is heat stroke treated by vets?

POnce you arrive at your local vet or nearest animal emergency hospital, the vet/s will assess the severity of your pet’s heat stroke and then begin emergency treatment as required. Treatment for heat stroke can be complex and often includes long stays in hospital. Treatment may include:P

Emergency cooling, especially if your pet’s body temperature is still high

Intravenous fluids to treat dehydration, shock, and to cool the body down internally

Oxygen therapy

Anaesthesia and airway intubation for pets that are having breathing difficulties or are unconscious

Gastric protectants and anti-nausea medication in cases of vomiting and diarrhoea (as the gut may slough and start to die)

Antibiotics to prevent secondary sepsis (blood poisoning)

Pain relief

Cardiac medications if required

Blood tests to assess the severity of dehydration, to test for clotting, assess organ function, and monitor response to treatment

Blood or plasma transfusion for those with clotting problems

Ongoing monitoring and treatment, usually in the intensive care unit

How do I treat heat stroke in my dog?

Heat stroke is a serious life-threatening condition, which requires immediate treatment to increase the chances of survival. If you believe your pet is suffering from heat stroke and is showing any of the above signs or symptoms, follow these steps and immediately see a vet:

Remove your dog from the hot environment

Gradually lower your dog’s body temperature by wetting them down with a hose or bucket (avoiding their face), a fan blowing over damp skin will help in evaporative cooling. Do not wrap a wet towel around them as it will trap the heat trying to escape

Don’t use ice baths (this can cool them too rapidly and cause constriction of the blood vessels lowering their cooling ability)

Wetting down the areas around your dog can also help in lowering the ambient temperature

Offer water

See a vet immediately. Even if your pet looks to be recovering or you only suspect they have heat stroke, it is important to see a vet.

Heat stroke/exhaustion first aid every dog owner needs to know.

Hot summer days mean a lot of time spent outdoors relaxing and enjoying the sun, but they can also lead to dangerous health problems for your canine companion. When your four-legged friend’s body temperature rises above a healthy range, it disrupts the ability to regulate body heat, which can lead to heat exhaustion, also known as hyperthermia.

Mild symptoms of heat exhaustion in dogs like panting, drooling, and feeling warm to the touch can sometimes be managed at home. However, severe symptoms, especially when prolonged, can lead to heat stroke in dogs.