Dog Heatstroke

Exposure to intense heat not only produces heatstroke in humans, but in dogs as well. Alterations caused by external conditions (exposure to the sun, desert heat, etc.) or excessive heat in closed spaces, which can also present heat exhaustion. Although both situations seem the same, there is a difference between them. Each one presents a different body reaction and different treatment. It is a serious disorder which comes from the insufficiency of the organism's thermoregulation mechanism. The body overheats, temperature rises but there is no sweat, and, as a consequence, the body has no way to cool down. The skin is dry and hot. Sometimes, the animal presents preliminary symptoms, headaches, nausea, dizziness or weakness. Nevertheless, frequently the first signs are sudden collapse and unconsciousness; fast and deep breathing, strong and fast pulse. Convulsions might also occur. The first thing you should do is place the animal in a fresh place under the shade. Raise the head and upper part of the body. Cool the animal down by pouring cold water all over his body and fanning him so that the water can evaporate quickly. When recovering consciousness, give him cold water to drink, maybe with a little bit of salt (1 teaspoon in the liter). Never give him stimulants or hot drinks.