Hot Diggity Dog: Heatstroke prevention and management strategies in the dog

By Dr. Symphony Roberson

As the temperatures rise, it’s important to monitor the weather daily to ensure that your dog has

adequate shade, water and ventilation to stay cool. Unlike humans, dogs cannot sweat enough

to cool down. Instead, they rely on panting and laying on cool surfaces as their main ways to

dissipate heat.

Heatstroke in dogs is a life threatening emergency that occurs when dogs can no longer

effectively dissipate heat and their body temperatures rise well above normal, which results in

multi-organ dysfunction and oftentimes death. Although heatstrokes arise in all dog breeds, it is

more commonly found in brachycephalic (squishy-faced) breeds such as the French and

English Bulldogs, Boxers, and Chihuahuas.

Recognizing heatstroke symptoms early and acting quickly to cool your dog down, can greatly

increase the chances of survival. Early signs of heat stroke include excessive panting, vomiting,

drooling, lethargy, muscle weakness and collapse. Promptly applying cool or room temperature

water (never ice cold water or ice) onto the dog and placing the patient in front of a fan or air

conditioner while immediately driving to us is recommended. Even if your pet seems back to

normal, organ damage can sometimes have a delayed response that shows up a few days later.

Dr. Symphony Roberson

Eastwaye Veterinary Clinic

4255 US Hwy 70 E

Goldsboro, NC 27534