What is heat exhaustion?

• Heat exhaustion is when a pet’s body temperature is elevated due to environmental conditions. Some people refer to it as heat stroke.
• A dog’s normal body temperature can go up to 102.5 
• A true emergency doesn’t occur until the body temperature reaches over 105. Although some symptoms of heat exhaustion can be seen at lower body temperatures

How does a dog get heat exhaustion?

• The most common cause is being left in a hot car. The temperature inside a car is much higher than the air temperature outside & it can go up very quickly on a warm sunny day. So even if it feels OK to be outside, pets can develop heat exhaustion in the car.
• Other causes of heat exhaustion are exercising on a hot or humid day. Pets may overheat more easily in early summer when they are not acclimated to warmer temperatures or if they do not have access to water while exercising.
• Some dogs are more prone to heat exhaustion. If they are overweight or have airway compromise then they may be more susceptible. Airway compromise can include brachycephalic dogs, dogs with tracheal collapse & dogs with laryngeal paralysis

What are symptoms of heat exhaustion?

• Heavy panting & drooling are a couple of the early symptoms
• They can become restless or stressed
• Some dogs will become weak, start to slow down on a hike, walk or run or start to seek shade & lay down
• If heat exhaustion is severe then the dog may collapse or have muscle tremors
• A change in the color of their gums (Dark red, white, purple/blue or pale pink can all be indicators of heat exhaustion)
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea can be other symptoms
• Heat exhaustion can result in death if a dog is not removed from the heat & treated right away

What can be done to help a dog with heat exhaustion? 

• Get the dog out of the hot environment
  • Remove from the car 
  • If you’re on a hike, walk or run, find nearby shade or water & stop there
• Try to cool them
  • Soak their paws with luke warm/cool water
  • Put water in their arm pits & groin regions
  • Do not put water on their head
  • Do not fully soak or immerse them in water
  • You do not want to cool a dog too quickly or make their body temperature too low as this can also cause issues. 
• Offer water to drink but do not force water because they could choke or aspirate the fluid which can be very dangerous
• Take them to the vet right away. Even if you get their body temperature cooled down, it is best to seek veterinary care as many injuries from heat stroke are internal

If it’s caught early, many dogs can recover from heat stroke. However, severe side effects can happen quickly, so it is best to avoid situations where your dog would be left in a car or out exercising in the heat.