Among our pets, dogs are the most sensitive to rapid temperature increases, so it is worth following some good advice to avoid the sudden and often fatal summer illness commonly known as heatstroke.
Since quite a few people do not recognize or recognize the symptoms of this disease too late, in this article we will discuss the aforementioned disease in more detail. With the help of our expert clinical veterinarian Dr. Péter Hauberger, we will cover the topic of heatstroke, addressing all important information on the subject.
Dogs cannot sweat like us, humans; their heat dissipation happens to a small extent through the paw pads and largely through panting. For this reason, they heat up more easily, and heatstroke or heat congestion can develop suddenly.
Hello Doctor!
I would like to ask you to talk to us in more detail about this suddenly developing serious condition, heatstroke.
First of all, what causes it to develop and what factors influence its occurrence?
Heatstroke is clearly a disease associated with summer heatwaves. The cause of the disease is prolonged high air temperature and blazing sunlight. It can occur in summer in a home, yard in the sun, but it can also develop in the shade, and unfortunately often in dogs irresponsibly left in a car for a few minutes. It also often occurs in dogs encouraged to exercise, since heat is produced alongside muscle activity during movement, which worsens the dogs' heat regulation. This does not only occur during heatwaves at noon in extreme heat, but also if we force our dog to exercise at the end of a hot summer day, even after sunset. At such times the temperature is still around 30 °C, which is stressful for the animal.
Are there predisposing factors for this disease, for example, if a dog is old or ill, is it more likely to get heatstroke earlier?
The development of heat congestion is predisposed by the animal's age, breed, and health status. In sick or old dogs, the heat regulatory mechanisms may not function properly, while in young animals they are not yet sufficiently developed to cool the body adequately under extreme temperature conditions.
Which breeds are most at risk?
Most commonly, dogs with thick coats, overweight dogs, and so-called brachycephalic, short-nosed breeds are most at risk for the disease. The presence of individual predisposing factors also hinders heat dissipation, but if they occur simultaneously, the dog is indeed at risk. A thick coat, thick layer of fat, and breathing difficulties under normal conditions reduce excess heat dissipation, thereby making heat congestion more likely. A properly functioning, healthy respiratory system can be vital for heat dissipation, since most of the heat in dogs is released through moisture eliminated during panting.
When can this disease occur?
Most often during heatwaves, mainly if the temperature measured in the shade remains above 28-30 °C for a prolonged period. This applies not only to the external temperature but also to the temperature inside the house. However, the air temperature inside cars left in the sun rises very quickly, so dogs should not be left in cars even for a short time.
Dogs kept outside must be provided the possibility to retreat into shade, and must be given fresh drinking water regularly every day. Avoid exercising the animal in the heat; walking, running, and playing should only be scheduled for late evening or avoided during heatwaves.
This disease is actually often referred to as heat congestion by specialists. What does this mean? What happens in the dog's body at this time?
If the external temperature continuously rises, the dog starts cooling its body through its heat regulation mechanisms. If the temperature continues to increase and heat dissipation is inadequate, the animal's body temperature rises towards the healthy 39.0 °C. However, a prolonged high temperature initiates irreversible processes, breathing and circulatory difficulties occur, and neurological and other internal organ changes develop.
What are the typical symptoms? What clearly indicates the development of heatstroke? What should owners pay attention to?
Symptoms of heatstroke include continuous, more active than usual panting, restlessness, and possibly vomiting. The dog searches for its place, is restless, later unable to move and lies in one spot. Measuring the dog's temperature is an important diagnostic sign at this stage, as immediate action is needed if the temperature exceeds 40-41 °C.
If the problem has already occurred, what should we do next?
It is recommended to measure the dog's body temperature. Since the illness can be fatal, it is worth taking the dog to the veterinarian or seeking help by phone. Be careful with transporting the dog, as if a dog suffering from heat stroke is placed in a hot car, it may not survive the journey. It is often advised to start cooling on site, which can be done with air conditioning, but the best is with a cold water hose or shower.
Every dog owner should be aware that time is very important in heat stroke cases; the sooner a dog suffering from heat stroke is taken to the vet or animal hospital, the greater the chance of survival. But where is the point at which a dog's life can still be saved, and from what condition is the process no longer reversible?
If the dog's body temperature remains above 40-41 °C for a long time, unfortunately, our efforts will not be successful. In such cases, processes occur in the brain and other organs that are irreversible by any treatment. Therefore, the diagnosis of the disease and the start of treatment as soon as possible is important.
Finally, some good advice if we could receive any regarding prevention. How can we prevent heat stroke in our dogs?
Avoid keeping or leaving the animal in direct sunlight. During heat waves, regularly change the drinking water with fresh water. Provide the dog with the opportunity to retreat to a cool, shaded place. Avoid moving, walking, especially running and playing with your dog in extreme heat. Schedule transport and movement during cooler parts of the day. For dogs with thick coats, shave the hair off the dog's entire body as summer approaches. And finally, the most important and most dangerous: do not leave your dog in the car in the scorching sun, not even in the shade.
If heat stroke is suspected, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Many thanks to the Doctor for his expert assistance, the good advice will surely benefit many dog-loving families and owners!
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