When the sun is shining and temperatures soar, pet owners need to be aware of the dangers of heatstroke in their dogs and learn to spot the warning signs.

Dangers of Heatstroke in Dogs

Don’t underestimate the seriousness of heatstroke; it can kill, and should be treated as an emergency situation. If dogs are allowed to overheat, their internal organs and intestinal tracts start to break down and can cause serious internal damage.

Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat in the same way as their owners. Being exposed to the heat for too long can be fatal, if the signs are not detected early enough. A dog's main cooling system is in his paws and tongue so his three basic needs are a constant supply of fresh, clean drinking water, shaded areas and cool surfaces to lie on.

High Risk Dogs

Recognize the signs and be aware of whether a pet is in a high risk category. A dog will suffer heatstroke faster than other dogs if he has cardiovascular conditions, respiratory issues, or is overweight. Dark-skinned dogs also hold and attract more heat.

Short-haired breeds and those with pale skins are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke, as are short, snub-nosed dogs like Shih Tzus or Pugs.

Treatment of Heatstroke in Dogs

If a dog appears to be suffering from the heat, take him to the vet as soon as possible. Initially, get him out of the sun and bring his temperature down with cool, not cold water. Do not use cold or iced water as these constrict the blood vessels and won’t allow the dog’s body heat to escape. Place him in a bowl of cool water and gently rub his underbelly. Give him only a small amount of water to drink or allow him to lick ice cubes.

Symptoms of Heatstroke in Dogs

Typical symptoms of heatstroke are rapid breathing and excessive panting, along with warm, dry skin. If a dog seems disorientated and restless, appears anxious and does not pay attention to commands, these are warning signs. If his gums are pink or gray instead on a normal healthy red-pink colouration, this is a dangerous situation. Heatstroke can also induce excessive salivation, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Daily Dog Care in the Heat

On its website, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) states that “Heatstroke may kill or seriously injure a pet — but it can easily be avoided’’. As prevention is better than cure, here are some basic steps for daily maintenance.

Drinking Water

Make sure there is a constant supply of cool, fresh water. Top up and change the water regularly. Do not leave water bowls in the sun; place them in shaded areas. Avoid metal water dishes as they get hot.

Shaded Areas in the Yard

Provide several shaded areas to lie in. Plants and trees, covered terraces or porches can all give adequate shade. Remember that the sun moves around during the day so make certain there is ample shade in different parts of the yard to compensate for this. Although they provide shade, a kennel or dog crate can heat up just as quickly as a car, so are not the solution!

Tethering a Dog

If a dog is tethered then ensure he has plenty of room to move around to shady areas. A dog’s leash can get wrapped around objects easily and he may be unable to move to the shade.

Dogs and Swimming Pools

Never leave a dog unsupervised around a swimming pool. To avoid the chance of him drowning, train him how to get out in an emergency. Some dog owners actually purpose build pool steps with this in mind. Alternatively fence off the pool or have it in a separate enclosed area to prevent a dog from roaming freely.

Walking a Dog

The best time for 'walkies' during the day is when the heat and humidity is lower; early morning and late afternoon. Concrete and tarmac pathways can get very hot and can be painful on a dog's paw pads.

Dogs Left in Cars

The majority of heatstroke cases are caused by dogs being confined to crates, kennels or cars.

Hot cars can kill. Dogs often get locked up in cars while their owner just runs into to the shops for a “minute". That "minute" can mean the difference between life and death for a dog.

The AVMA states that “A car's inside temperature can increase as much as 40 degrees in an hour. On an 85 degree day, the temperature inside a car can rise to 102 in ten minutes”. Even if an owner’s car is parked in the shade with its windows partly open, the car can become an ‘oven’ in a very short space of time. Once the inside temperature has reached 105 ºF degrees, a dog is no longer capable of cooling himself.

In a recent study by Stamford University’s School of Medicine, James Quinn, MD, associate professor of emergency medicine, concluded that “Much like the sun can warm a greenhouse in winter, it can also warm a parked car on cool days. In both cases, the sun heats up a mass of air trapped under glass”.

Dogs in Trucks

Don’t put a pet dog in the back of a truck during the heat of the day if the truck's surface is metal. It can seriously burn a dog's feet and give off additional heat, making it hard for him to keep cool. With the sun beating down, he can easily suffer from heat stroke, especially if the truck is stationary for any amount of time. Put him in the cab instead.

The Human Society of the United States website offers more detailed information on the dangers of heatstroke.