Heat stroke in a dog. How to recognize it?

Sometimes overheating looks like normal dog fatigue, but there are a number of symptoms that indicate heat stroke.

The normal body temperature of a dog is up to 39 degrees. However, an increase of more than 40.5 degrees poses a threat to its health. The summer causes of this problem are the sun, overwork during active play, and being in the car.

Since dogs don’t have sweat glands, their thermoregulation tools are somewhat more complicated and not as effective as human ones. To cool down, a dog sticks out its tongue and breathes frequently. This is a good mechanism, but we advise you to monitor the animal’s condition. Especially if it is at risk: pregnant, has pathologies, or has reached a respectable age. Also, pay attention to the condition of brachycephalic dogs – a breed with a flattened face. ‍

Symptoms: how to recognize overheating or heat stroke?

Sometimes overheating looks like normal dog fatigue, but pay attention to the following symptoms anyway:

• The animal is inactive.
• A lot of saliva.
• Absentmindedness.
• Poor or no appetite.
• Uncharacteristic breathing for a dog.
• Poor coordination.
• High temperature, above 40.

These symptoms may indicate other problems. Therefore, be guided by them only when you know for sure that the animal has overheated.

Dog overheated: what to do?

Help the animal return to normal as soon as possible and then take it to a veterinarian for examination.

• Remove the dog’s muzzle and collar so that it can breathe easily and calmly.
• Find a cool place: a basement or a bathroom with tiles.
• Sponge the dog with water, but do not water him. Such a rapid change in temperature can only be harmful.
• Control water intake: enough, but not too much.
• Make a cool compress on the head or wipe it with a cool towel.

After that, be sure to make an appointment for an urgent examination by a veterinarian. Even if the pet’s condition is not a cause for concern, overheating can have serious consequences for the body.

Prevention: how to prevent overheating?

• Control the activity. Dogs love to run around during play, but they can’t always detect changes in their condition in time. The animal may play too much and not notice the first symptoms of overheating.
• Walk your pet in the morning and in the evening to protect it from overheating in the afternoon.
• Do not leave your dog in the car. It is dangerous for the animal’s life: even with the windows open, even for a short time.

Sudden changes in temperature are also harmful to the dog’s body, so keep an eye on this as well. Frequent transitions from an air-conditioned room to a hot one and vice versa can cause heart and vascular problems in your pet.

Only a veterinarian can correctly identify and eliminate the effects of overheating. In order to avoid further problems, it is important to visit the clinic immediately after the animal’s condition is normalized. The safest solution is to choose a veterinary center with a resuscitation vehicle – such a machine will make the trip comfortable for the animal.

Актуальні тенденції у світі домашніх улюбленців 2025.