Editor’s note: The University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital is a sponsor of Chambanamoms.com.
By Dr. Canaan Shores
Ah, the glorious sun! Those bright, warm rays feel so good after a long, dark winter. The days of taking the dog for a walk in frigid temperatures and enduring sleet and snow are long gone. Now walks take place in the blazing sun on warm pavement, and it feels good to sweat a little.
While our furry companions may also enjoy the turn of weather, pets can have a difficult time regulating their body temperature, causing them to rapidly overheat. Stay ahead of the heat and learn how to keep your pup safe this summer!
Heat stroke occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises above the normal range of 100-102.5°F (37.7-39.2°C) and exceeds 105.8°F (41°C). If not treated promptly, heat stroke can result in organ failure, brain damage, or even death.
Dogs are especially vulnerable to heat stroke in hot and humid conditions, particularly when they are left in parked cars, exercised excessively in high temperatures and/or humidity, or do not have access to shade and water.
Recognizing the early signs of heat stroke can be lifesaving. Common clinical signs (“symptoms”) include:
- Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
- Drooling excessively
- Weakness or lethargy
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Red or pale gums
- Confusion or dizziness
- Collapse or seizures
If you notice any of these signs, take immediate action:
- Move to a Cooler Area – Bring your dog indoors or to a shaded, well-ventilated space.
- Cool Down Gradually – Use cool (not cold) water to wet your dog’s body, focusing on the paws, belly, and armpits. Do not use ice-cold water as it can cause blood vessels to constrict, thereby impairing heat loss.
- Offer Water – Allow your dog to drink small amounts of cool water.
- Use Fans – Directing a fan toward your dog can help speed up the cooling process.
- Seek Veterinary Care Immediately – Once you’ve started cooling measures, contact your local veterinarian or vet ER, get in the car, and head to the clinic.
Prevention is key when it comes to protecting dogs from heat stroke. Here are some essential tips:
- Never Leave a Dog in a Parked Car – Even in relatively cool ambient conditions (mid-70 degrees), temperatures inside a car can rise dangerously high within minutes. Cracking the windows doesn’t help.
- Provide Plenty of Water and Shade – Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water and a shaded area when outside.
- Avoid Exercising in the Heat – Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
- Use Cooling Aids – Cooling mats, wet towels, and dog-safe ice packs can help keep your dog comfortable.
- Monitor High-Risk Breeds – Brachycephalic breeds (such as bulldogs, pugs, and boxers) are more susceptible to heat stroke due to their short snouts, making it harder for them to breathe and cool down.
- Be Cautious on Hot Pavement – Asphalt and concrete can become extremely hot and burn your dog’s paws. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s feet.
Heat stroke in dogs is a serious and preventable condition. By taking simple precautions, you can keep your dog safe and comfortable during hot weather. Always be mindful of temperature changes and never underestimate the dangers of overheating.
A little vigilance goes a long way in ensuring your dog enjoys a happy and healthy summer.
The University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital offers a full range of emergency, specialty, urgent, and primary care for dogs and cats, horses, zoological companion animals, and farm animals within its Large and Small Animal Clinics and Veterinary Medicine South Clinic.
The Urgent and Convenient Care service, led by Dr. Canaan Shores, is located in the South Clinic, 2100 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, across Hazelwood Drive from the Large and Small Animal Clinics. The Urgent and Convenient Care service sees dogs and cats. Its hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 217-244-2555 if you need to see the urgent care veterinarian.