Heatstroke in dogs and cats

Symptoms, how to prevent it and what to do

Summer means long walks, vacations, terraces and more time outdoors with our dog. But it also brings a danger that can appear much faster than we imagine: heat stroke in dogs or cats.

And there is something important that many owners do not know: an animal does not need to spend hours under the sun to suffer from it. Intense exercise, a poorly ventilated area, or a combination of heat and humidity can cause your body temperature to rise dangerously. Additionally, some signs appear before the situation is really serious, and learning to recognize them can make a big difference.

Let's see what these signs are, how to avoid heat stroke and, above all, what you should do if you suspect that your dog or cat is suffering from one.

 

What is heat stroke in dogs?

Heat stroke in dogs or cats occurs when the body becomes too hot and can no longer reduce its temperature effectively.

Dogs regulate heat differently than we do. Panting is one of their main mechanisms for losing heat, so certain environmental conditions, exercise or respiratory problems can make it more difficult for them to cool down. If the body temperature rises too much for a long time, serious damage to organs such as the kidneys and even coagulation disorders or shock can occur. That is why it is considered a veterinary emergency.

We should not confuse it simply with our dog being hot. A dog looking for a cool area after a walk may be perfectly fine. The problem appears when the body begins to be unable to control the increase in temperature.

 

What are the symptoms of heat stroke?

Detecting it early is essential. Some symptoms may start out quite mild and worsen quickly.

Among the signs we should watch for are:

• Very intense or rapid panting.
• Excessive salivation.
• Restlessness or constant search for shade.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Difficulty walking or lack of coordination.
• Vomiting or diarrhea.
• Confusion or strange behavior.
• Collapse.
• Seizures.
• Loss of consciousness.

Intense panting, seeking shade, excessive salivation, or an unwillingness to continue playing can be some of the first clues that a dog is getting too hot. If weakness, vomiting, disorientation or collapse also appear, the situation can be very serious.

The simplest rule is this: if your dog is overheated and starts behaving in a way that is not normal, don't wait for it to get worse before taking action.

 

 

Which dogs are most at risk?

Any dog can suffer from heatstroke, but some have more difficulty dissipating excess heat.

Brachycephalic or short-nosed dogs, such as the French Bulldog, English Bulldog, or Pug, are at greater risk. We should also pay special attention to older dogs, overweight dogs, animals with very thick coats, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.

In these cases, we must be even more careful with walks, exercise, and during the hottest hours of the day.

 

What to do immediately in case of heatstroke?

This is probably the most important part of the article.

If you suspect heatstroke, act immediately and contact a veterinarian. Don't wait to see if the dog improves on its own. Heatstroke can affect internal organs even if the animal seems to be getting better.

1. Take it to a cool place

Remove the dog from the sun or the heat source. Look for shade, air conditioning, or a well-ventilated area.

2. Start cooling your pet down

Gently wet their body with cool, but not extremely cold, water and promote air circulation using, for example, a fan.

Avoid suddenly immersing them in ice water. The goal is to help lower their body temperature safely while you arrange for veterinary care.

3. Contact a veterinarian

Call your veterinary clinic or emergency service and explain the symptoms. Follow their instructions and take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

During the journey, you can keep the vehicle cool with air conditioning and continue to ensure good ventilation.

4. Don't force them to drink

You can give them water once they start to cool down, but you shouldn't force them to drink large amounts or delay veterinary care by trying to get them to drink.

 

How to prevent heatstroke in dogs

Here's some good news: many cases of heatstroke can be prevented with a few precautions.

Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest hours of the day and schedule walks for early morning or late afternoon. Your dog should always have access to fresh water, shade, and well-ventilated areas. And, of course, you should never leave them alone in a car when it's hot.

At home, we can also help them be more comfortable.

Cooling mats for dogs, for example, can provide a more pleasant surface for them to rest on during hot days. It's important to place them in a cool area and always allow the dog to get up or move around whenever they want.

We can also occasionally offer cooling treats like dog ice cream, specially designed for them. These can be a fun way to enjoy the summer and provide a refreshing moment, but remember: neither ice cream nor cooling mats are a treatment for heatstroke.

If symptoms consistent with heatstroke appear, it's time to act and go to the vet as soon as possible.

 

 

And heat stroke in cats?

Although we talk much more about the problem in dogs, heat stroke can also occur in cats.

Cats tend to seek out cool areas on their own and reduce their activity in hot weather, but they can find themselves in dangerous situations if they are locked in hot or poorly ventilated spaces.

We should be especially concerned if we observe excessive panting, salivation, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea or collapse. Given these symptoms, we must take the cat to a cool place, gently wet its hair with fresh water—not ice—and immediately contact a veterinarian.

 

Prevention is much easier than treatment

The best treatment for heat stroke is to try to prevent it from ever occurring.

During the hot months, adapt walking schedules, avoid unnecessary efforts, always offer fresh water, prepare shaded areas and use cooling resources when necessary.

And, above all, watch your pet.

Many times she herself will give you the first clues: she is desperately looking for shade, she is panting more than usual, she stops wanting to play, or she seems especially tired.

Listening to these signals and stopping in time can prevent a simple hot day from turning into a veterinary emergency.

 

Frequently asked questions about heat stroke in dogs and cats

How can I tell if my dog is starting to get too hot?

Very intense panting, excessive salivation, desperately seeking shade, appearing weak, or stopping wanting to walk or play can be signs of overheating. If more serious symptoms appear such as vomiting, disorientation, loss of coordination or collapse, you need urgent veterinary attention.

What do I do if I suspect my dog has heat stroke?

Immediately move him to a cool place, start cooling his body with cool but not ice water, especially on the pads and chest, facilitate air circulation and contact a veterinarian. Don't wait to see if it improves on its own.

Can I use ice to cool my dog?

It is not advisable to try to lower its temperature suddenly by using ice water or immersing it in very cold water. For first aid at home it is recommended to begin cooling with fresh water and ventilation while seeking veterinary care.

Can cats also suffer from heat stroke?

Yes. Although it occurs more frequently in dogs, cats can also suffer from it. Excessive panting, salivation, vomiting, weakness or collapse are warning signs that require quick action.

Does a cooling blanket or ice cream for dogs prevent heat stroke?

They can help the dog be more comfortable and cool during hot days, but they must be part of a set of preventive measures: providing water, shade, ventilation, avoiding the hottest hours and reducing intense exercise. If symptoms of heat stroke already exist, no cooling product is a substitute for urgent veterinary care.