signs of heat stroke in dogs
What causes heat stroke in dogs?
Any hot environment can cause heat stroke in dogs. The most common cause is careless action by a pet owner, like leaving a dog in a car or forgetting to provide water and shade when they are outdoors. Some dogs are more prone to heat stroke than others. Dogs with thick fur, short noses or those suffering from medical conditions are predisposed to heatstroke especially on hot and humid days.
The most telling symptom of heat stroke in dogs is excessive panting. Other symptoms may include signs of discomfort such as drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhea, mental dullness or loss of consciousness, uncoordinated movement, and collapse. Heat stroke in dogs can indicate a serious medical problem and cause unseen problems, such as swelling of the brain, kidney failure, intestinal bleeding and abnormal clotting of blood. For this reason, immediate veterinary care is highly recommended.
The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with us. If your dog is showing any signs of heat stroke, contact our GANS emergency veterinary clinic right away.
With cases of heatstroke in dogs, treatment will include intravenous fluid therapy to replace fluids and minerals.
Your veterinarian will also monitor your dog for secondary complications such as kidney failure, development of neurologic symptoms, abnormal clotting, changes in blood pressure and electrolytes abnormalities.
As a pet owner, it is important to be aware of the outside temperature and take appropriate measures to prevent heat stroke, especially during hot and humid conditions.
When outdoors, always make sure your dog is in a well-ventilated area with access to plenty of water and shade.
While traveling in cars, make sure that your dog is kept in crates that has good ventilation, and never leave your dog in a car with the windows closed.
