Warning Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs
Heavy Panting and Difficulty Breathing: If your dog is panting excessively and struggling to breathe, this is a clear sign of heat distress.
Excessive Drooling: Watch out for an unusual amount of drooling, especially if it’s thicker or stickier than usual.
Lethargy, Drowsiness, or Uncoordinated Movement: A dog that seems unusually tired, disoriented, or is stumbling may be suffering from heatstroke.
Collapse or Vomiting: If your dog collapses or begins to vomit, these are critical signs of severe heatstroke and require immediate action.
If you see a dog in a hot car displaying any of these signs, dial 999 immediately.
Emergency First Aid for Dogs with Heatstroke
Move to a Cool Area: Relocate the dog to a shaded, cooler place immediately.
Cool the Dog with Water:
Pour cool (not cold) water over the dog. Tap water at 15-16°C is most effective.
In an emergency, any water is better than nothing.
Avoid covering the dog with wet towels, as this can trap heat. If necessary, place wet towels under the dog, but not over them.
Offer Cool Water to Drink: Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water. Avoid giving too much at once
Continue Cooling: Keep pouring cool water over the dog until their breathing starts to normalise. However, be careful not to over-cool them to the point of shivering.
Unconscious Dogs: If the dog loses consciousness and stops panting, they still need urgent cooling as they are at risk of having a dangerously high temperature. Aggressive cooling is essential.
Avoid Water Near the Head: When cooling, avoid pouring water near the dog's head to prevent the risk of inhalation, which can lead to drowning—especially in flat-faced or unconscious dogs.
Seek Immediate Veterinary Care: Once the dog is cool, take them to the nearest vet without delay.
Dogs at Higher Risk of Heatstroke
Age: Very old or very young dogs.
Coat Type: Dogs with thick or heavy coats.
Breed: Flat-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs.
Health Conditions: Dogs with certain diseases or those on specific medications are also at increased risk.