We’re now coming into the height of summer, and while the weather has been quite changeable recently, heatwaves are more and more common nowadays. And as temperatures start to rise, it’s important that we consider our canine companions. By now, everyone is aware of the important campaign that ‘dogs die in hot cars’. However, it’s lesser known that there is another, very important cause of heatstroke in dogs.
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What is heatstroke?
Heatstroke occurs when heat production in the body (such as from muscle exertion) is greater than heat loss from the body (such as from panting). A healthy dog’s temperature ranges from around 37 to 39C. When a dog’s body temperature reaches 40C or above, without being caused by a fever, this can cause a variety of symptoms, known as heatstroke.
What causes heatstroke?
There are two types of heatstroke: exertional and non-exertional. Nonexertional heatstroke is caused by a dog being left in a high temperature environment, with inadequate means of cooling themselves down. This is the classic case of a dog in a hot car. Exertional heatstroke, on the other hand, is caused by exercising in warmer weather.
So, can a dog get heatstroke from running? The answer is yes! Dogs that exercise in warm or hot weather are at risk of heatstroke. In fact, a study conducted in 2020 showed that 74% of cases of heat-related illness in dogs in one year were due to exertional heatstroke, and only 5% were related to hot cars. Of course that’s not to say we don’t need to worry about hot cars – we definitely do – but we also need to be careful about exercising our dogs in warm or hot weather.
How easy is it for dogs to get heatstroke?
All breeds of dog, of any age, can suffer from heatstroke. However, there are some risk factors, which increase the likelihood of heatstroke:
Breed:
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds are at greater risk of heatstroke, as are large or particularly hairy breeds. Amongst other factors, brachycephalic breeds have shorter, narrower airways, so aren’t able to cool down as effectively by panting.
The same study in 2020 highlighted that certain breeds are at greater risk of heatstroke (when compared with a labrador): Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Chow Chows are at the greatest risk; followed by Dogue de Bordeaux, Greyhounds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Pugs, English Springer Spaniels and Golden Retrievers.
Age:
Elderly or very young dogs may not be able to maintain their body temperature as effectively as other dogs.
Weight:
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of heatstroke, as does being unfit. These dogs tend to get hot faster, and also take longer to cool down.
General health:
If your dog has been unwell and is at all dehydrated (such as from sickness or diarrhoea), their ability to cool down through panting will be diminished. Certain underlying medical conditions, especially those affecting the heart or respiratory tract, will also make a dog more prone to heatstroke.
It’s important to remember that any dog can suffer from heatstroke, but to take extra precautions if your dog is ‘at higher risk’.
How can you tell if your dog has heatstroke?
The signs of heatstroke can vary from mild to life threatening, and can progress alarmingly quickly. Possible symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include:
- Panting (even at rest)
- Brick red or blue-tinged gums
- Lethargy (reduced energy)
- Not wanting to exercise
- Diarrhoea and / or sickness
- Drooling
- Wobbliness when walking (ataxia)
- Seizures
- Collapse
- Bruising (new or unexplained)
- Bloody sickness / diarrhoea
- Loss of consciousness / coma
- Death
If you notice any signs of heatstroke in your dog, it’s important to act fast. Ask someone to call your vet, while you start cooling your dog down.
How can I protect my dog against heatstroke?
If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, you should move them somewhere cool, keep them as still and calm as possible, and start cooling them down straight away. You can do this by pouring or running cold water (from a tap or hose) over their coat, or by placing them in cold water (such as in a bath or cold paddling pool). Cold water is fine – quick cooling is key. If you are using a hosepipe, make sure you run it through first, since the water sitting in the pipe on a hot day can reach very high temperatures. Naturally, make sure your dog’s head is always above water, and avoid getting water in their mouth, or they may accidentally breathe it in. If they are able to, encourage them to have small, frequent drinks. They may vomit if they drink too much at once.
Avoid using towels soaked in cold water
This actually slows the cooling process and can trap the heat. Lemon juice will also not help! Transport your dog to the vets as soon as possible, ideally in an air-conditioned car, but do start the above cooling process first. Dogs who are actively cooled before getting to the vets tend to have a better outcome than those who are taken straight in, without any cooling measures first.
Naturally, prevention is better than cure!
There are measures you can take to reduce the risk of your dog suffering from heatstroke:
- Never leave a dog in a stationary car. Temperatures can skyrocket fast, and there is no safe time limit.
- Be careful transporting dogs on very hot days, unless your car has very effective air conditioning. Even moving cars can be dangerous. Plan your journey to enable plenty of breaks, water and shade. Avoid travelling during peak heat.
- Ensure your dog has access to shade and cool water to drink at all times.
- Avoid exercising in hot weather and hot times of the day.
- Be careful in spring when the days start to warm up. If your dog is not acclimated to the warmth, they are at risk even in mildly warm weather.
While we still need to remember never to leave a dog in a hot car, we also need to remember that exercise is the most common cause of heat-related illness in dogs in the U.K. Exercise-induced heatstroke can happen at any time of year, but is especially common in warm and hot weather. Remember – your dog won’t die from missing a walk, but they may die on a hot walk.
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