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Serving South Orange County

At A Pooch’s Pace

Dogs and Heatstroke

Preventing Heatstroke in Dogs

Dogs don’t sweat like humans and can suffer from heatstroke far more easily.
Exercise you dog early or late in the day. All dogs, especially flat faced breeds can overheat easily.
Provide lots of fresh drinking water at all times. Baby pools and doggy ice treats/frozen kongs provide mental enrichment and can help to keep your dog cool.
Check the temperature of the ground or sand because if it is too hot to touch than it’s TOO HOT for their paws.
Leave dogs in a shady area bearing in mind the movement of the sun as the day passes. All dogs need shelter from the hot sun.
Never leave your dog in a parked car on a warm day. Even on a cool day, the temperature in the car is much hotter than outside the car and can lead to brain damage or death!!
Never walk your dog when the temperature is over 85F. Their paws can burn on hot pavement or sand.

Signs of Heat Stroke
The following signs may indicate heat stroke in a dog:

  • Vigorous panting
  • Dark red gums
  • Tacky or dry mucus membranes (specifically the gums)
  • Lying down and unwilling (or unable) to get up
  • Collapse and/or loss of consciousness
  • Thick saliva
  • Dizziness or disorientation
What to do if You Suspect Heat Stroke
If you have even the slightest suspicion that your dog is suffering from heat stoke, you must take immediate action.
  1. First, move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.
  2. Begin cooling your dog with cool water. You may place wet rags or washcloths on the foot pads and around the head, but replace them frequently as they warm up. Avoid covering the body with wet towels, as it may trap in heat.
  3. DO NOT use ice or ice water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body's core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. In addition, over-cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems. When the body temperature reaches 103.9°F, stop cooling. At this point, your dog's body should continue cooling on its own.
  4. Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog's mouth. Try not to let your dog drink excessive amounts at a time.
  5. Call or visit your vet right away - even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary (and further testing may be recommended).
Tip: recruit others to help you - ask someone to call the vet while others help you cool your dog.

Heat stroke is an emergency and requires immediate treatment. Following an episode of heat
stroke, take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Phone 949-212-6369

Serving South Orange County areas of, Trabuco Canyon, Aliso Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Dove Canyon, Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, Foothill Ranch, Coto de Caza, Las Flores, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Portola Hills, San Clemente, Irvine, Newport Coast, and Newport Beach.

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