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Signs & Aftercare of Heat Stroke (Hyperthermia) in Dogs

Signs & Aftercare of Heat Stroke (Hyperthermia) in Dogs

Updated On August 21st, 2024

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Reviewed By Petco's Veterinarian Team

Heat stroke occurs when normal body mechanisms cannot keep the body's temperature in a safe range. Dogs do not have the same efficient cooling systems as humans who sweat, and instead, regulate body temperature primarily through panting. A dog with a body temperature above 103ºF   requires prompt first aid and veterinary care, as heat stroke in dogs can be deadly.

Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs

A dog suffering from heat stroke will display [several signs](https://www.petcoach.co/article/common-signs-of-heat-stroke-in-pets/):

  • Rapid panting
  • Bright red tongue
  • Red or pale gums
  • Thick, sticky saliva
  • Depression
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting - sometimes with blood
  • Diarrhea
  • Shock
  • Coma

What You Should Do

Remove the dog from the hot area immediately. If possible, prior to taking him to your veterinarian, lower his temperature by wetting him thoroughly with cool (*not* very cold) water, then increase air movement around him with a fan. If this is not an option, you should bring your dog directly to your veterinarian immediately. Once you have initially cooled the body of your dog, you should immediately proceed to your veterinarian, even if initial symptoms have resolved.

**Using extremely cold water can actually be counterproductive.**

Cooling too quickly and especially allowing his body temperature to become too low can cause other life-threatening medical conditions.

The rectal temperature should be checked every 5 minutes and recorded. Once the body temperature is 103ºF, the cooling measures should be stopped, and the dog should be dried thoroughly and covered so he does not continue to lose heat. A normal body temperature for dogs is 100.5 to 102.5°F. The body temperature will continue to drop a bit after cooling measures are stopped. Even if the dog appears to be recovering, take him to your veterinarian as soon as possible. He should still be examined since he may be dehydrated or have other delayed complications, including organ damage or blood clotting issues.

Allow free access to water if the dog can drink on his own. Do not try to force-feed cold water; the dog may inhale it or choke.

What Your Veterinarian Will Do

Your veterinarian will attempt to lower your dog's body temperature to a safe range (if you have not already) and continually monitor his temperature. Your dog may be given intravenous fluids and possibly oxygen. Your veterinarian will monitor your dog for concerns such as shock, respiratory distress, kidney failure, heart abnormalities, and other complications, so that treatment can be provided accordingly. Blood samples may be taken before and during the treatment. The clotting time of the blood will be monitored since clotting problems are a common complication. This treatment and monitoring may be needed for anywhere between 12 hours to several days, depending on the severity of your dog's clinical signs.

Aftercare

Dogs with moderate heat stroke can recover without complicating health problems if symptoms are recognized quickly, and treatment is started immediately. Hyperthermia in dogs can cause organ damage that might need ongoing care, such as a special diet prescribed by your veterinarian. Dogs who suffer from heat stroke once increase their risk for getting it again and steps must be taken to prevent it, especially on hot, humid days.

Prevention

Any pet that cannot cool himself off is at risk for heat stroke. Following these guidelines can help [prevent serious problems](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-tips-to-keep-your-dog-from-having-heatstroke-this-summer/).

  • Keep pets with predisposing conditions like heart disease, obesity, older age, breathing problems, or being a brachycephalic breed cool and in the shade. Even normal activity for these pets can be harmful.
  • Provide access to cool, clean water always.
  • *Never* leave your pet in a hot parked car, even if you're in the shade or you will only be gone a short time. The temperature inside a parked car can reach dangerous temperatures very quickly, even on a moderately cool day.
  • Make sure outside dogs have access to a well-ventilated and shaded area.
  • On a hot day, restrict exercise and don't take your dog walking with you. Too much exercise when the weather is very hot can be dangerous.
  • Avoid or restrict time at places like the beach, and especially concrete or asphalt areas where heat is reflected and there is no access to shade.
  • Wetting down your dog with cool water or allowing him to swim can help maintain a normal body temperature.
  • Move your dog to a cool area of the house. Air conditioning is one of the best ways to keep a dog cool but is not always dependable. To provide a cooler environment, freeze water in soda bottles, or place ice and a small amount of water in several resealable food storage bags, then wrap them in a towel or tube sock. Place them on the floor for the dog to lay on. Dogs should always be monitored if provided with frozen water bottles, bags or cooling matts.
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