6 Signs of Dog Heatstroke

When you have a dog, it’s important to learn how to recognize the signs of heatstroke. Heatstroke is a very dangerous condition that can occur in dogs in just a short amount of time. Dogs who are left in unattended vehicles, even for just a few minutes, are at the greatest risk of suffering from heatstroke. However, any dog who is outdoors on a hot day may run this risk as well.

In the article below, you’ll find out six of the most common signs of heatstroke in dogs. With this information, you can learn more about what to be on the lookout for so you can respond appropriately if your dog is ever affected.

Excessive Drooling

The first symptom of heatstroke in dogs is excessive drooling. Dogs may start drooling a little bit when they are outdoors in the hot weather, even without heatstroke setting in. However, if your dog is drooling much more than is normal even without activity, heatstroke may be the culprit.

At this stage, you can bring your dog indoors immediately and provide cool water. Turn a fan or air conditioner on your dog and lay some cool cloths on your pet’s feet. This may be enough to help your pet recover from this early stage.

Heavy Panting and Heavy Breathing

Heavy panting and heavy breathing may occur as heatstroke progresses, but they can also occur along with excessive drooling. You can tell if your dog is panting or breathing too heavily by looking at your pet’s sides and noticing how fast they move with each breath.

If your dog is having trouble breathing or is breathing too quickly, follow the same procedure outlined in the previous section. However, you should also keep a close eye on your dog. If any more symptoms occur after heavy panting and heavy breathing, it’s time to contact the emergency vet right away.

Increased Heart Rate

As heatstroke progresses, your dog may suffer from an increased heart rate. If you can feel your dog’s heart pounding or racing and you have observed excessive drooling and heavy breathing, this means heatstroke is very likely. Your dog is probably in the moderate stage of heatstroke if increased heart rate is present.

If you notice this symptom, you should not wait to contact the emergency vet. Call right away, but in the meantime, bring your dog indoors and provide cool cloths to lay on her feet. As soon as you are off the phone with the emergency vet, take your dog in.

Weakness and Lethargy

Weakness and lethargy in a dog who is suffering from heatstroke means that the dog is progressing into the severe stage of the condition. These symptoms are very dangerous and can make it much more difficult for pets to recover from heatstroke depending on how long they are left untreated.

If your dog is showing other symptoms of heatstroke and is also lethargic or weak, go to the emergency vet without waiting. Keep in mind, however, that weakness and lethargy are common symptoms of a variety of other dog conditions, so your veterinarian will need to diagnose your dog.

Seizure

Some dogs who have reached the severe stage of heatstroke may suffer from seizures related to the condition. This does not always occur, but if you see your dog have a seizure along with other recognizable symptoms of heatstroke, this means it’s time to go to the emergency vet.

While contacting the emergency vet, keep track of the seizures. Let the vet know how many your pet has had and how long they have lasted. The vet will need this information in order to figure out the best way to proceed with treating your dog’s heatstroke.

Unconsciousness

Unconsciousness is the final stage of heatstroke before death for most dogs. If your dog is suffering from heatstroke and has become unconscious, there is unfortunately a strong possibility that it may already be too late to do anything for your dog. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try; contact the emergency vet and take your dog in right away.

Dogs should never be left in hot vehicles or in any unattended car no matter what the temperature outside might be. By remembering this rule, you will significantly decrease the risk of heatstroke and severe results of this condition in your dog.

Don’t Hesitate to Go to the Vet if Your Dog Has Heatstroke

Sadly, heatstroke claims the lives of many dogs every year. You can significantly reduce the risk of this condition by never leaving your dog in a vehicle unattended even if you think it isn’t very hot outside. You should also always provide your dog with fresh, clean water and shady places to rest when outdoors in the heat.

If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, go to the emergency vet right away for treatment. At The Village Vets, we know how serious heatstroke in dogs can be and we’re here to offer any advice and help we can for your pet. Your dog’s health and safety are very important to us, which is why our team is dedicated to providing high quality veterinary care for every pet we see.

In addition to our general practices, we also offer 24 hour emergency care at our Decatur location so you never have to wait seek help for your dog’s condition. When it comes to the wellbeing of your pet, never hesitate to contact a vet or emergency vet to make sure your pet gets the treatment they need.