Heat stroke in dogs can be deadly; know symptoms, causes and treatment
During summer months, your dog may be at risk of heat stroke. If they are having breathing issues or bleeding from the nose, it could be a sign of hyperthermia.
Summer season is fast approaching in northern India and as per climatologists, 2023 may witness intense heat waves driven by El Nino effect and may be one of the hottest years so far. As we brace up for the hotter months ahead, pet parents must also plan to prevent their fur balls from the impact of heat. Heat stroke is one of the common illnesses that can also affect dogs in summer. Also called hyperthermia, when the body temperature of your dog is more than 41°C (105.8°F), it can lead to a series of health issues from malfunction of organs to neurological issues; in worst cases it can even lead to death. (Also read: 6 cooling foods for your dog this summer)

Spending most of the time in open space without any shade or sufficient water, being inside a car for a siginificant time or overexercising can put your pooch at risk of heat stroke. Pouring cool water over head, stomach, feet or applying wet cloth on the body can help bring down the temperature. It is important to maintain good ventilation around your pet's space.
What is heat stroke?
"Heat stroke, commonly referred to as heat exhaustion or by the medical term hyperthermia, is a condition in which the body temperature is elevated. A body temperature of more than 41°C (105.8°F) is considered hyperthermia. It can result in a physiological malfunction of several organ systems, including the neurological system and if left untreated, can lead to the death of the dog. Diagnosis is generally done through physical examination or blood tests," says Dr. Samiso Kramsapi, Veterinary Officer, Wiggles.
Symptoms of heat stroke in dogs
The risk of heat stroke in dogs increases during the hot and humid peak days of summer.
"In such circumstances, it is important to keep an eye on your furry companion. Different symptoms include breathing issues, excess salivation, foaming at the mouth, bleeding from the nose, vomiting, weakness, seizures and diarrhea," says Dr Kramsapi.
Causes of heat strokes in dogs
Endogenous (originating from within the body)
"Obesity, Brachycephalic airways (breed predisposition, such as Pug heat stroke), upper airway obstruction, laryngeal paralysis, collapsing trachea, cardiovascular or respiratory disease, abnormal calcium metabolism, the prior incidence of hyperthermia, as well as a genetic predisposition in combination with other factors are examples of endogenous factors," says the vet.
Exogenous (originating outside the body)
"Lack of shade, insufficient ventilation, inadequate cooling off after exercise, excessive exercise in a hot climate, and little access to water are all factors that might contribute to heat exhaustion," adds Dr Kramsapi.
Treatment of heat stroke in dogs
Dr Kramsapi says one needs to cool down a dog's body in a systematic way and not go for strong cooling methods like ice bath as this could lead to hypothermia. Here are treatment methods suggested by the expert.
1. Restore normal body temperature
Cooling methods are applied in a controlled manner. Proper cooling is achieved by placing the dog on a wet towel, wetting the paws and fur, and placing a fan in front of the dog. Strong cooling methods (such as immersing the dog in an ice bath) should be strictly avoided.
2. Intravenous fluids to restore circulation
Fluid therapy is important to restore adequate circulating blood volume, as heat stroke is associated with dehydration and hypovolemic shock.
3. Sometimes antibiotics do the trick
Antibiotics are usually used to reduce the risk of transmission of the bacteria that cause sepsis. Depending on the severity of heat stroke, treatment will likely use a combination of cooling methods, fluid therapy, and medications. Your dog will usually need to be hospitalised for 2-8 hours until he is stable enough to go home. If your pet is treated early in the onset of heat stroke, the prognosis may be good.