Heat stroke is more serious than you may think.

How heat stroke can effect dogs is surprising and can be extremely serious, if not spotted.  This is why it is important we have as much information as possible.  That way we can look after our fur babies, the best we can.

Heat stroke is a life threatening condition that’s brought on by a sudden rise in body temperature.

What is it?

Heat stroke is a form of nonpyrogenic hyperthermia.

This essentially means a high temperature not caused by a fever.

It occurs when dogs are no longer able to self regulate and keep their temperature at a comfortable level.

How can it affect my dog?

Heat stroke can lead to organ failure very quickly.

As a result, the survival rate for dogs diagnosed with the condition is poor.

One of the largest studies ever carried out into the prognosis and outcome of dogs with heat stroke showed a mortality rate of 50%.

Another study into heat-induced illness in dogs found that those cooled before arriving at the vet had a much lower mortality rate (19%) than those not cooled (49%).

How does it happen?

It commonly affects pets who are exercised outside on a hot day.

Or are carelessly left in a car or conservatory during warm weather.

There are many cases of heat stroke diagnosed in dogs every year and, tragically, many of these prove to be fatal.

Are there any dog breeds more likely to suffer?

Dogs who are obese or suffer from brachycephalic syndrome (upper airway abnormalities typically affecting flat-faced breeds) are most likely to experience heat stroke.

However, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security if your dog is fit and healthy.

All dogs can easily overheat if they’re exposed to hot temperatures and a lack of ventilation and drinking water.

Signs & symptoms

Spotting the signs of heat stroke early, and seeking emergency treatment, can massively increase your dog’s chance of survival.

There are two types of heat stroke; exertional and non-exertional.

The first occurs during exercise and is much more common on hot sunny days.  This is when dogs haven’t had a chance to acclimatise to the sudden rise in heat. 

Dogs can take up to 60 days to acclimatise to significant changes in temperature.  This isn’t ideal in the UK as the weather tends to change from week to week.

The second type is when a dog is exposed to a notable rise in temperature but doesn’t have access to the ventilation, or drinking water, to keep themselves cool.  This typically occurs in a parked car, a garden with no shade, or a very hot room.

In the early stages of heat stroke, your dog is likely to appear restless and distressed.

They may also pant heavily and drool. As their condition worsens they will begin to lose coordination and eventually collapse. 

It’s worth noting that normal rectal temperature for dogs is around 38.6°C (101.5°F) to 38.9°C (102°F) and anything above this is abnormal. 

Other signs of heat stroke

• Rapid breathing
• Racing heart
• Overheating (skin hot to touch
• Glassy eyes
• Unsteady on feet
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Gums turning a bluish-purple or bright red colour
• Collapse
• Unconsciousness 

If you spot any of these signs please contact your vet straight away.

Diagnosis & treatment

If you suspect your dog has heat stroke call your vet immediately and they will be in the best position to offer advice on your next steps.

They may advise you to slowly cool your dog’s head and body using tepid spray before offering small amounts of water to drink.

You should never immerse your dog in an ice bath or freezing cold water as cooling them too quickly can do more harm than good.

If their condition is severe they will require urgent, intensive care.

Your dog may be placed on a drip and given supplemental oxygen depending on whether they’re suffering breathing difficulties.

Once their temperature begins to fall and their breathing is under control further diagnostic tests will be carried out.