Warning signs of heatstroke
- Heavy panting and difficulty breathing
- Excessively drooling
- The dog appears lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated
- Collapsed or vomiting
Emergency First Aid for dogs
Here's what to do:
- Move the dog to a shaded and cool area
- Submerge or cover the dog in water that is cooler than their body temperature. Simultaneously, fan the dog to increase air circulation. Avoid pouring water over the dog's head or face, ensuring these areas remain above water.
- Wet towels placed over the dog can worsen the condition, as they trap heat. In mild cases, towels can be placed under the dog, but never over it, and in a true emergency, water immersion or pouring water with air movement is ideal.
- Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water
- Continue to pour cool water over the dog until their breathing starts to settle, but not so much that they start shivering
- Dogs that have lost consciousness will stop panting, despite still having a very high temperature; these dogs require urgent aggressive cooling as a priority.
- Throughout the treatment of heatstroke, try to avoid pouring water on or near your dog's head, as there is a risk of them inhaling water, which could lead to drowning, especially for flat-faced and unconscious dogs.
Once the dog is cool, take them to the nearest vet as a matter of urgency.
Some types of dogs are more prone to heatstroke, like very old or young dogs, dogs with thick, heavy coats or dogs with very short flat faces like pugs and bulldog types. Dogs with certain diseases or on some types of medication are also more at risk.