It’s a hot summer’s day, and your dog is struggling. Perhaps they’ve over-exercised in the sun or been in a warm and humid environment for a while without enough ventilation. These are the typical scenarios that can lead to heatstroke, a condition that can prove rapidly fatal. If this happens to your dog, would you know what to do and would you be able to save their life? 

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Cool first, transport second

The Royal Veterinary College’s VetCompass team have recently published their findings that many owners are not aware of the correct immediate action to take for their dog in the event of heatstroke. A delay in receiving the right treatment can result in death and only 43% of dogs with severe heatstroke survive. It’s vital that owners know how to act quickly and appropriately to help their dog. 

Dogs with heatstroke must be cooled down quickly to prevent any further heat-related damage to their body. The current heatstroke advice is to ‘cool first, transport second’ for the best possible outcome. 

However, the VetCompass study found that of 856 dogs seen with heatstroke between 2016 and 2018, less than a quarter had been actively cooled before arrival at the vets. In many cases, this could have exacerbated their dog’s condition. Of those owners who had attempted to cool their dog before transport, over half (51%) had done so using wet towels, a method of cooling that is now considered outdated and not particularly effective.

The best way to actively cool a dog with heatstroke

Water immersion, or evaporative cooling, is the best way to rapidly cool down your dog. For young, healthy dogs, putting them straight into a cold-water bath is a good way to bring down their temperature fast. 

For older dogs, or for dogs with an underlying health condition, pouring over water of any temperature that is cooler than your dog is preferred. This should be combined with ‘evaporative cooling measures’ such as putting them in front of a fan or air conditioning unit. 

Only when your dog has been actively cooled should you then take them on the journey to see the vet.

Why aren’t dogs with heatstroke being cooled before they are taken to the vet?

It seems that websites and social media could be to blame. Misinformation can be commonplace and often, it is based on purely anecdotal evidence. 

Many owners may have heard that when their dog shows signs of heatstroke, slow cooling is best, using tepid water

There is no evidence to support this advice, and research in human medicine has proven that rapid cooling has a much better outcome in treating heatstroke. 

In 2016, the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care published their recommendations on cold water immersion and rapid cooling as the best first aid for heatstroke. However, the recent VetCompass study found the message still hadn’t been picked up by owners, who remain largely unaware of the correct way to provide heatstroke first aid for their dog. 

Where to find the correct hot weather advice for dogs

Prevention always beats cure, and heatstroke can be easily avoided. The Royal Veterinary College have put together some excellent advice for owners here. 

The key messages are:

  • Make sure your pet always has access to a cool shaded area, both indoors and outside.
  • Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.
  • Pack a water bottle on walks.
  • Remember, hot pavements can burn paws! If it’s too hot to hold your hand on, it’s too hot for your pet to walk on.
  • Never leave pets in a car or a hot room (e.g. conservatories).
  • Ensure your pet always has drinking water available, adding ice can help keep it cool.
  • Ensure your pet is regularly groomed if this is advised for their breed.

It’s also important to remember that certain pets are at increased risk of heatstroke, and these owners should be even more cautious in hot weather. The types of pets at increased risk include flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, overweight animals, pets with thick coats, the very young or very old, and pets with underlying health conditions.  

In summary

If you are out on a walk in warm weather, and your dog starts to slow down and pant excessively, you should stop the exercise, seek shade and cool them with water. You should also seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. 

Heatstroke can progress rapidly, so getting your dog’s temperature down as soon as you notice these early signs is crucial, before you take them to the vet. 

The best way to cool them down is:

  • Immersion in a cold-water bath.
  • Pouring water over your dog and then cooling them with a fan or breeze.

Remember, Wet then Vet! 

Your swift actions could save your dog’s life. 

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