Emergency Tips: How to Treat Dog Heatstroke in Summer

The normal body temperature for dogs ranges from 37.8°C to 39°C. When the temperature exceeds 40°C, internal organs begin to sustain damage, and once it reaches 41°C or higher, it becomes a lifethreatening situation. High fever can damage a dog's organs, and in severe cases, it can leave lasting consequences.

Be vigilant for the early signs of heatstroke, as timely intervention can prevent permanent damage to your dog's internal organs.

Early signs of heatstroke in dogs include:

Excessive or loud panting

Severe thirst

Continuous vomiting

Red tongue and pale gums

Thick saliva

Increased heart rate

If any of the following symptoms appear, it indicates that your dog's heatstroke is worsening:

Difficulty breathing

Red gums turning blue or purple

Bloody diarrhea or vomiting

Ataxia

Seizures or tremors

Weakness or coma

Why do dogs overheat?

Humans regulate their body temperature by sweating, which is distributed throughout the skin via sweat glands. When it's hot or after exercise, sweating helps to cool down the body. However, have you noticed that dogs don't sweat all over their bodies, no matter how hot it is?

That's because a dog's sweat glands are not spread out across their entire body; they are only present on the pads of their paws. Therefore, dogs cannot regulate their body temperature through sweating like humans do.

With such a small area of sweat glands, how do dogs dissipate heat? You might already know the answer—they pant heavily, sticking out their tongues, and breathe rapidly to expel most of the heat through their mouths. If you place your hand near a dog's mouth, you'll notice that they exhale hot air, and the exhaled air is actually warmer than the inhaled air.

When dogs stick out their tongues, they also produce a large amount of saliva to replace sweat. They drool excessively, and the evaporation of saliva helps to dissipate heat and lower their body temperature.

Therefore, during the summer, it's crucial to keep dogs cool and ensure they have access to plenty of clean drinking water. Heatstroke in dogs can be lifethreatening, so if you notice any symptoms, act quickly to provide first aid.

First aid measures for heatstroke in dogs:

1. Move away from the heat source

When you discover that your dog is overheating, first remove collars, clothing, and other items covering their bodies. Then, move them away from the heat source. If possible, take the dog to an airconditioned or fancooled room. If not, move them to a wellventilated, shaded area outdoors.

2. Cool down

Wet your dog's body with cool water or use a towel wrapped around ice packs to cool down their neck and limbs. If you have alcohol, you can continuously wipe your dog's paw pads, the insides of their limbs, and the inguinal area to maintain cooling, preventing the temperature from rising further.

If conditions allow, you can halfsubmerge your dog in water, but avoid using ice water; use lukewarm tap water instead. Stop soaking your dog when their body temperature reaches 39°C, and use a towel to dry them off to prevent a rapid drop in body temperature.

3. Rehydrate

Offer your dog cold water (not ice water), and if they cannot drink on their own, do not force them to drink. If possible, let them lick ice cubes.

When your dog has severe symptoms of heatstroke, do not rush to give them water or large amounts of water, as this can accelerate pulmonary edema. Even with mild heatstroke, avoid giving your dog a lot of water at once; instead, use a small amount of water multiple times, and consider diluting it with saltwater.

4. Contact a veterinarian

After providing emergency cooling and rehydration, it's best to take your dog to a pet hospital for further treatment or a comprehensive examination to ensure there are no other issues.

How to prevent heatstroke in dogs?

Do not let your dog stay in hot, stuffy, and poorly ventilated areas for extended periods. Try to keep them in cool places. During the dog days of summer, it's best to let your dog relax in an airconditioned room. If that's not possible, ensure they have access to a cool, shaded area with good ventilation.

Always keep your dog's drinking water clean and abundant. Although this is a simple task, it is incredibly important.

Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day. It's best to walk them in the early morning or evening. If the weather is particularly hot and humid, it's better to skip the walk. Always carry plenty of water for your dog during walks and offer them water regularly to prevent heatstroke.

Under no circumstances should you leave your dog in a car without air conditioning! Even if it's just for a few minutes, the temperature inside the car can rise dramatically. If you must leave your dog in the car, even for a short period, make sure the air conditioning is running.

Never shave your dog's fur completely! A dog's fur has the protective function of shielding the skin from heat and blocking ultraviolet rays. Some dogs have doublelayered fur that can also protect against UV rays. Shaving off their fur would expose their skin directly to the sun, leading to sunburn, hair loss, and potentially skin infections or skin cancer.