Symptoms Of Heat Stroke In Dogs

Have you ever been warned by your vet or friends never to leave your dog in the close confines of your car or in a place with inadequate ventilation? If yes, then they were possibly trying to give you a little understanding on how to save your dog from getting a heat stroke. Like humans, dogs too are sensitive to heat and run the risk of heat stroke, if exposed to a warm setting for long. A dog’s body temperature tends to shoot up faster in a warm setting, since it does not sweat. The only natural way that the canines let off the excess body heat is through panting. Heat stroke or hyperthermia hits when the body temperature of a dog exceeds beyond the normal range of 103^oF. There are two ways in which a dog can get a heat stroke - prolonged exposure to direct sun and elongated exposure to blow dryer in dog salons. Dogs don’t come with apparently discernable signs of heat stroke like humans. Thus, dog owners need to be extra careful and keep an eye on the probable symptoms to save their dog from the severe blow of heat stroke. Here are some tell-tale symptoms of heat stroke in dogs.

 

While it is normal for dogs to pant and gasp, rapid panting isn’t always a very healthy indication, most often a warning sign that should set the alarm button on for the dog owners. Dogs pant to cool off their overheated self and bring down their body temperature. However, if your dog pants too rapidly, it should indicate towards a more serious concern of heat stroke.

Another key indication of overheating in dogs is bright red swollen tongue. An over exhausted dog will show bright red tongue and pale and parched gums when panting. The mucous membranes present in the tongue turns red when dehydrated, leaving this as the classic sign of heat stroke.

 

Over exhaustion and overheating can lead to excessive drooling in dogs and cause them to emanate thick, sticky saliva, which isn’t a positive sign either. A dog produces thick, tenacious saliva when overheated.

If your dog doesn’t respond to your calls or reveal a disoriented disposition, chances are that it might be suffering from heat stroke. A dehydrated, overheated dog will look lost, stumble while walking and wear an anxious expression. It will become progressively unsteady and unresponsive with time.

 

One of the most advanced signs of heat stroke in dogs is weakness, followed by immobility. Any dog down with heat stroke will find it extremely difficult to walk and move.

 

Vomiting and diarrhea are the two most advanced signs of heat stroke in dogs. This is a critical sign that might need immediate vet attention. If your dog passes loose stool or coughs out blood when vomiting, chances are that it is suffering from heat stroke.

If your dog shows a rise in temperature with the body temperature rising to 104^oF and more, it is probably suffering from heat stroke. If your dog suffers from 106^oF, it might need a quick medical intervention to survive.