How to Treat Heat Stroke in Dogs

Co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Last Updated: May 22, 2023 Approved

Dogs are not as efficient at releasing heat as we are; they are built to conserve rather than release heat and tend to heat up faster than we do.^{[1]
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Research source} As such, we may not be aware of the fact that a dog has become overheated until symptoms suddenly develop. Heat stroke in dogs is a very serious condition and its onset can be sudden, escalating into an emergency situation in a matter of minutes. Knowing how to treat a dog experiencing heat stroke may be vital to saving your dog's life.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Recognizing Heat Stroke in Dogs

1
Be aware of the temperature. It helps to know what the temperature is at the time of the dog’s symptoms. You may want to write down the temperature as well as the conditions (ie: direct sunlight) and the dog’s activity level prior to and at the start of symptoms so that you can communicate this information to a veterinarian.
- In the event of a dog being trapped in an area such as a car, you may not know the exact temperature, but if you note that it felt much hotter than the outdoor temperature of 90 °F (32 °C), a vet may have enough information to effectively assess and treat the dog.
2
Watch for initial heat stroke symptoms. Catching a heat stroke in its early stages can help prevent permanent damage to your dog’s internal organs. Some early signs of heat stroke include:^{[2]
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- Excessive or loud panting
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent vomiting
- A bright red tongue and pale gums
- Skin around muzzle or neck doesn't snap back when pinched
- Thick saliva
- Increased heart rate
3
Look out for signs of worsening heat stroke. The dog’s heat stroke can be worsening if he begins to exhibit any of the following:^{[3]
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- Increased difficulty breathing
- Gums that turn bright red, then blue or purple
- Weakness and/or fatigue
- Disorientation
- Collapse or coma
4
Take the dog’s temperature. One of the best ways to assess whether the dog’s internal temperature is elevated is to take his temperature rectally. A dog’s temperature is normally between 99.5 and 102.5 °F (37.5 and 39.2 °C). A dog is overheated if his temperature is 103 °F (39.4 °C) or higher. A temperature of 109 °F (42.8 °C) is usually fatal. ^{[4]
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- Obtain a digital rectal thermometer (preferably one made for pets).
- Lubricate it with a lubricant such as petroleum or KY jelly.
- Ask a helper to hold the dog by holding the head and front part of the body.
- Locate the rectum and lift the tail for access.
- Carefully insert the thermometer into the rectum about one inch (2.5 cm); do not let go of it.
- Wait until the digital thermometer beeps. When this happens, carefully remove the thermometer and read the temperature.
- Write down the dog’s temperature so that you can communicate it to a veterinarian.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Treating Heat Stroke in Dogs

1
Remove the dog from the heat. If possible, move the dog indoors to an air-conditioned area. If that is not possible, move him to a shaded area outdoors, preferably with decent airflow. You will also need to restrict the dog’s activity at this point; do not allow him to run around until the danger of heat stroke has passed.
- If you can, carry the dog to a cool place, rather than ask him to walk.
2
Allow the dog to drink cool water. Keep the quantity of the water small at first. It is not advisable to give the dog human sports drinks. If the dog seems uninterested in water, cool or room temperature (low-fat, unsalted) beef or chicken broth is an acceptable substitute.
- Do not force feed water to the dog if he cannot drink freely on his own.^{[5]
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  Research source} Instead, wet his lips, gums, and tongue with water squeezed from a facecloth or clean towel.
3
Cool the dog with water. If possible, wet the dog with a stream of cool water. If the water is coming from a hose, be sure that the pressure is reduced. Do not submerge your dog underwater completely, as he can lose temperature too quickly, which may lead to other complications.
- Be sure that the water is not overly cold. Very cold or ice water can actually slow the dog’s cooling processes.
- Give priority to wetting his extremities such as paws, head and tail. Also place towels soaked with cool water between his back legs and in his armpits.
Even if your dog is responding well to cooling treatments, it is imperative that you contact (and go to) an emergency vet.^{[6]
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Research source} Internal (organ) damage is a possible side effect of a heat stroke. Undiagnosed complications can be fatal to your dog.^{[7]
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5
Place rubbing alcohol on the pads of the dog’s paws. Dogs release heat from the pads of their feet, so putting rubbing alcohol on the pads can help draw some of the heat out.^{[8]
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Research source} Be sure that the feet are uncovered and exposed to cool air.
- Do not use too much alcohol, as it can be harmful if ingested.
6
Do not cover or confine the dog. You can wipe the dog down with cool, damp towels, but do not drape the towels over him, as they can trap in the dog’s body heat. Similarly, do not place the dog in a closed crate that will hold the heat from his body in around his body.
- Place the dog on a cool tile floor, and have a fan blow air over him.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Heat Stroke in Dogs

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Be aware of conditions that may cause or exacerbate heat stroke. Dogs that are elderly, obese, or have a history of heart disease or seizures are more likely to suffer from heat strokes and may have a lower tolerance for increased heat.^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source

The Humane Society of the United States
National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare

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- Dogs with shorter snouts (like Pugs or Bulldogs) have a harder time panting out their body heat, so may be at higher risk.^{[10]
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- Certain breeds do not tolerate heat as well as others. Some breeds that should be avoided in areas that have extremely hot climates include: Bulldogs (English and French), Boxers, Saint Bernards, Pugs, and Shih Tzus.^{[11]
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A dog should never be left in a vehicle in the sun, even if the temperature is mild.^{[12]
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Research source} Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can increase exponentially in a matter of minutes, often with fatal results for unfortunate dogs.
Dogs with particularly long and thick fur may need to be shaved or trimmed during the hottest part of the summer.^{[13]
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Research source} A professional groomer will likely know the best approach for providing a weather-appropriate style for your dog.
If the weather is extremely hot, allow your dog to stay inside an air conditioned house during the hottest parts of the day.^{[14]
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Research source} If this is not possible, then ensure that he has access to a safe, shaded area outdoors.
If your dog is outside on a very hot day, be sure that he has access to water and shade.^{[15]
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Research source} Some people even put ice on the ground for their dogs to lie on if it is particularly hot outside.
6
Let your dog swim safely in hot weather. If your dog has access to a river, stream, or pond, he will likely swim in order to remain cool on a hot day. Allowing a dog access to water for swimming, or even hosing him down (gently) with water can help prevent heat stroke.
- Be sure that you supervise your dog’s swimming and do not leave him near deep water (particularly swimming pools, which can be difficult for dogs to exit) if he is not a strong swimmer.^{[16]
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- If you do not have access to pet-friendly public pools or beaches, purchase a kiddie pool just for your dog. These can be found at most department stores for as little as ten dollars. Kiddie pools are also a great alternative for pets that are not strong swimmers, that cannot be trusted off leash, or that are uncomfortable around other dogs and strange people.
- Never allow your dog to drink from or swim in water that is contaminated with algae, as this can be toxic to dogs.
If you have a working dog, such as a herder, you should allow him time to rest during hot days. During rest times, be sure that he has access to plenty of shade and cool water. If possible, allow him to swim or wet him during a break.

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Would a dog have heat stroke while outside or could it happen when right after he came into a cool house?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Just like a pan of milk boiling on a ceramic hob, the milk still boils for a time after you turned off the heat. It's entirely possible that the dog's temperature stayed dangerously high for a period of time after he came indoors, purely because the dog has limited ways of losing heat quickly. Indeed, the act of walking indoors generates heat from muscular contraction, so getting inside was a trial in itself and he's not going to cool down instantly.

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Question

If a dog is panting loudly, has thick saliva, and not moving, does this mean he has heat stroke?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

What you have described are classic symptoms of heat stroke. If the dog is in a hot environment, then this makes heat stroke a distinct possibility and you should remove the dog to a cool spot before checking out his temperature and starting to cool him. However, these signs are not exclusive to heat stroke, for example a dog could have a foreign body stuck in his throat or be suffering from advanced heart disease, so always check with a vet when in doubt.

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Equally important for your dog's sense of calm is keeping yourself calm. If you panic, your dog can sense this and may also panic, exacerbating the situation. Instead, remain as calm as possible, work methodically to restore their normal temperature and make fast arrangements to transport him to the vet. Stay focused so that you can stay reassured that you're doing all you possibly can to increase the chances of your dog's survival.

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Mix the alcohol 50/50 with water to soak the dog's paws in.

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Shaving a double coated dog is NOT advisable to control heat...The undercoat is designed to help cool in warm weather and vice versa in cool weather.

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