The primary cause of heatstroke in dogs is exercise, which can lead to overheating within minutes. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure your dog stays cool during walks in warm weather.
If you plan to walk your dog on a hot day, keep these tips in mind.
- Walk your dog in the early morning or evening, avoiding the midday sun.
- Always carry water and a container for your dog to drink from.
- Be aware of the signs of heatstroke and monitor your dog closely.
- Use a leash attached to a walking harness instead of a collar to prevent airway compression, which can hinder cooling.
- Hot pavements can burn your dog’s foot pads. If you can’t hold the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.
How hot is too hot?
- 12°C > 15°C : This temperature is ideal for walking your dog. Usually found early morning or evening in the summer.
- 16°C > 19°C : There is a low risk of overheating with this temperature. Keep an eye out on older dogs, obese and brachycephalic dog breeds.
- 20°C > 23°C : Stick to low intensity exercise, don’t let dog’s chase or run.
- 24°C > 27°C : This temperature is dangerous for all breeds.
- 28°C > 31°C : Extremely dangerous for all breeds, paws can burn. Stick to cooler temperatures.
Most dogs are comfortable in temperatures ranging from 15-23°C, but this varies significantly based on their age, breed, size, coat length, activity level, health, and fitness.
Some dogs may find it challenging to keep cool even at these temperatures.
What are the signs of heatstroke?
Below are some possible signs of heatstroke to watch for:
- Heavy panting, even without exercise
- Breathing difficulties, especially in flat-faced dogs
- Fatigue
- Stiffness or reluctance to move
- Drooling
- Confusion
- Vomiting, potentially with blood
- Diarrhea, potentially with blood
- Unsteady walking
- Collapse
If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, it’s crucial to cool your pet down. Early intervention and treatment are essential for saving your dog’s life. Research shows that 1 in 7 dogs in the UK do not survive, but 98% of those seen early with mild symptoms recover.
Learn more about heatstroke, including whether your dog is at higher risk, how to prevent it, and when it’s most likely to occur.
How to help a dog with heatstroke
- Stop any exercise, move them out of the heat, and into the shade.
- Lay them down on a cool floor.
- Offer small amounts of water to drink.
- To help relax the brain use Valerian and Vervain as a tonic.
- Seamoss and bone broths are great for remineralising the body and providing hydration.
- Gently pour water over the dog's body or sponge them if water is limited, focusing on their neck, tummy, and inner thighs. Ideally, continue this until their breathing returns to normal.
- Fan them with cool air or place them in an air-conditioned room. The cooling effect will be more effective if the dog is already wet.
These steps can be taken initially, please seek medical advice if the state of your dog does not change.
