Heatstroke in Dogs: How to Tell if Your Pup's Too Hot

During the summer season, most of us want to spend our free time outside soaking up the sun, going on adventures and grilling in the backyard with our friends, family and four-legged companions. And while our dogs are more than happy to tag along, heat and humidity can be life-threatening for our pets. Continue reading to learn more about the signs, symptoms and treatment for heatstroke, the third and most serious stage of heat-related illness (HRI).¹

What Is Heatstroke?

There are three stages of HRI:¹

1. Heat stress or heat cramps
2. Heat exhaustion
3. Heatstroke

Heatstroke occurs when your dog's body temperature rises too high and they can't cool down. The condition can cause severe damage to organs and could result in death.²

Stages of Heat-Related Illness

Heat-related illness in your dog starts with heat stress or heat cramps.¹

Heat stress or heat cramps

At this stage, your dog gets dehydrated and will experience muscle spasms. If your dog doesn't get treatment and/or out of the heat, they will likely progress to heat exhaustion.¹

Heat exhaustion

In this stage, you'll notice fatigue and weakness, but it can also include vomiting and diarrhea.¹ Your dog may still have a normal temperature, or their temperature may be slightly elevated.¹ For reference, a dog's normal body temperature is between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.²

Heatstroke

If your dog moves into the heatstroke stage, they may start experiencing more severe symptoms: disorientation or seizures, a temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit and organ dysfunction.² Heatstroke can affect any part of the body, but usually affects the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and liver.¹

Heatstroke can occur and cause damage or death in less than an hour.¹ Heatstroke is considered a medical emergency and it's essential to get your dog to the vet right away if you suspect this heat-related illness.²

Read Related: 10 Tips To Keep Your Dog Cool in the Summer Heat

Symptoms of Heatstroke in Dogs

As mentioned above, if your dog gets heatstroke, you'll likely notice the symptoms of earlier stage HRI (fatigue, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea), plus disorientation and/or seizures and an elevated temperature.

Additional signs of heatstroke include:¹

• Excessive panting
• Drooling²
• Reddened gums
• Fast heart rate
• Collapse

Causes of Heatstroke in Dogs

Heatstroke occurs from being in a hot or humid environment or from overly strenuous exercise. Dogs are at the highest risk during the summer when exercising, if they can't get shade and/or water or if they are left alone in a car.²

The temperature inside of a car increases by 40 degrees Fahrenheit per hour. Even if it is only 70 degrees outside, it can get up to 110 degrees (or more) inside of a car, even with the windows partially open.¹

There are also some dogs that are more susceptible to heatstroke than others:¹

• Brachycephalic dogs (like pugs or boxers, who have shortened noses and flattened faces)
• Overweight or obese dogs
• Very young or older dogs³
• Dogs with certain conditions (cardiac disease, tracheal collapse, laryngeal paralysis)

It depends on your specific dog, but a good rule of thumb is that outdoor activity at temperatures of 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher puts your pup at risk for heatstroke. For some dogs with the above risk factors, anything above 70 degrees can be too much.³

Read Related: 6 Tips To Prevent Dehydration in Dogs and Cats

Diagnosing Heatstroke in Dogs

Your veterinarian will diagnose heatstroke based on history, clinical signs and an exam. They will likely suggest blood work and may recommend a urinalysis¹ as well to check for organ damage.²

If you are able to start cooling down your dog before and during the trip to the vet, it's been shown to increase their chances of survival from 50% to 80% and can help prevent further damage. Never use ice, as it can shock your dog's system or cause hypothermia, but move them to a cool area, get a fan on your pet (if possible), wet them with room temperature water and drape wet towels on your dog while you take them to the vet.¹

Treatment for Heatstroke in Dogs

Depending on what is going on with your dog, your veterinarian may recommend any or all of the following:²

• Hospitalization¹ for IV fluids and active cooling
• Medication to prevent vomiting and diarrhea¹
• Antibiotics to prevent infection in the gastrointestinal tract
• Medication to help with brain swelling and seizures
• Oxygen therapy
• Plasma infusions
• Anti-arrhythmic medications¹
• Pain medications
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Blood work to monitor changes

Recovery from heatstroke is based on how high the dog's temperature reaches, how long it's elevated and how quickly they get treatment. If a dog makes it past the first 24 hours, their prognosis is good, but they may still need to stay in the hospital for two to three days. Your vet will likely recheck your dog's blood work in one to two weeks to ensure proper organ function.¹

Heatstroke Treatment Costs

The cost of treatment varies based on what your dog needs and your location, but common charges include (all amounts are approximate averages):

Heatstroke Prevention

Prevention is key during warmer weather. To prevent heatstroke, ensure that you:

• Give your pet access to shade and water when they are outdoors.² (A sprinkler or pool can be fun, too — just make sure they can get out of the sun if they need to.)
• Restrict walks or exercise during the cooler parts of the day (i.e., morning and evening).³ Even short walks in the heat or humidity can cause heatstroke.¹
• Plan your route for grassy or shaded areas to avoid walking on hot pavement.³
• Take water with you on walks.³
• Put a cooling vest or cooling handkerchief on your dog when they're outside.³
• Stay inside during extremely hot or humid days² (if you live in an apartment, natural or synthetic grass patches are great for allowing your dog to use the bathroom without having to walk them in the heat).
• Never leave your dog alone in the car.²

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dogs

The CareCredit credit card provides a convenient way to pay for your dog's vaccinations and other health and wellness expenses, including exams, medications and products at providers in the CareCredit network.* Apply today and continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App. You can find a provider on the go, manage your CareCredit account and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts and videos. Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian that accepts CareCredit to help keep your pet healthy and happy for a lifetime of love.

Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women's Health Online, Headspace and more.