September 24, 2021

Ask the Expert: Heatstroke in dogs (Episode 2)

38 minutes

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to canine researchers, canicrosser Anne Carter and vet Emily Hall, about how to spot the early signs of heatstroke when exercising your dog. Not just an issue over summer, but something to be aware of all year round.

Early signs of heatstroke in dogs can include:

Excessive panting, that doesn’t ease when you stop the activity

A longer, or spade shaped, tongue

A reluctance to move, or lethargy

Changes in how your dog moves, such as poor coordination

If not caught early, severe heatstroke can be fatal, and preceding symptoms can include:

Confusion

Seizures

Diarrhoea and vomiting, which may contain blood

Bleeding under the skin

Losing consciousness

It’s important to cool your dog quickly, if you suspect it is suffering heatstroke.

Stop the activity you’re doing

Find shade

Douse the dog in water (river, hose, wet towel, whatever you can find, or use car aircon)

Get your dog to a vet quickly if you’re worried

Dogs don’t just die in hot cars; a lot of dogs overheat by over exertion, and not just in hot temperatures (this includes walking as well as running), as they can’t cool themselves as effectively as we can.

Thanks to Anne and Emily at Hot Dogs Research. You can read all of Anne and Emily's research at https://heatstroke.dog/

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