Spending time in the sun with your dog can be fun. But as the temperature rises, your dog could suffer heat stroke if exposed to too much heat.
Dogs regulate their body temperature by panting but can have difficulty doing it when it gets too hot. They can then suffer from heat exhaustion, and if it gets to a point where they just can’t cool down their body temperature anymore, they can get a heat stroke.
And since heat strokes can have serious consequences, you don’t want this to happen to your dog.
Here are ten dog heat stroke symptoms you should be aware of. If you notice some of these symptoms, bring your dog to a cool, shaded area and drink fresh water.
If your dog feels unwell, bring him to animal urgent care as quickly as possible.
Symptom #1: Your dog is panting excessively
If you’re outside with your dog and he starts panting excessively, this is a clear sign that the heat is bothering him. He is doing that because he is trying to regulate his body temperature.
When dogs pant, the moisture from their tongue, nose and their lungs evaporates, which helps them cool down. It’s normal for your dog to pant when it’s hot, but not if he does it excessively.
Symptom #2: Your dog is drooling excessively
Spending time in the sun with your dog when he starts drooling excessively could be a symptom of heat exhaustion. Get him in the shade before he suffers from a heat stroke.
You should also take a good look at his gums and tongue. If they are a dark red or very pale colour, it’s another sign that something is wrong.
Symptom #3: Your dog seems agitated and desperate
Dogs can become lethargic when they feel too hot. But they can also become restless and agitated.
If your dog won’t settle down and looks desperate, it’s probably because he feels too hot.
Symptom #4: Your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea
It’s never a good sign when a dog vomits or has diarrhea. If it’s hot and your dog vomits, you could see it as a heat stroke or exhaustion symptom.
Do what you can to cool him down, and consider taking him to the veterinarian, especially if his symptoms worsen.
Symptom #5: Your dog is moving very slowly
If you’ve been playing in a park with your dog on a hot summer day, you might have noticed that he started moving slowly after some time.
This is another sign that he is overheating and needs some shade and cool water. Playing with him in the summer heat is alright, but remember to take breaks to relax and cool down.
Symptom #6: Your dog seems dizzy
You probably know this already but should never leave your dog in a locked car. Not even for a minute or two. Even if the windows are not completely closed, your dog could suffer from a heat stroke and die.
And even if he doesn’t die, he could still suffer from some serious consequences. If he appears dizzy and suddenly lacks coordination, it’s a sure sign the heat is affecting him.
Symptom #7: Your dog appears lethargic
If your dog appears lethargic after spending time in a hot and humid environment, it’s another possible dog heat stroke symptom.
You need to be concerned if he doesn’t want to move or respond when you call his name. Or perhaps he wants to get up and walk but simply can’t do it. If that happens, you should take him to the vet.
Symptom #8: Your dog’s heart is racing
If your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion or about to have a heat stroke, his heart will probably be racing.
You should be able to feel it if you place your hand on his chest.
Symptom #9: Your dog has a seizure
It goes without saying that if your dog has a seizure, you need to quickly take him to the vet. If the seizure happens because of a heat stroke or something else, just take him to the vet.
A dog who has a seizure and doesn’t get the attention of a veterinarian could end up with serious health issues.
Symptom #10: Your dog is unconscious
Finally, if your dog falls into a coma after spending too much time in the heat, this is a serious symptom of a heat stroke. An unconscious dog needs to be taken to the vet as quickly as possible if you want him to have a chance to recover.
