You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Heat stroke or hyperthermia, is commonly seen in dogs, and every year legal action is taken against owners who leave their pets locked in cars during hot weather

Exposure to high environmental temperatures can lead to heat stroke or hyperthermia. The high temperature overcomes the bodies ability to maintain body temperature within a normal range and it rises to 41-43⁰C (105-110⁰F) - which is life-threatening.

Dogs are particularly susceptible to develop heat stroke because they have poorly developed mechanisms to lose heat from their body. Dogs have very few sweat glands, and so the main mechanism to lose heat is through panting. Excessive panting causes internal metabolic changes (called alkalosis) which makes the dogs condition worse.

Certain dogs are more at risk to develop heat stroke in high environmental temperatures than others :

• Dogs that are stressed
• Dogs that are confined to enclosed areas with poor ventilation (eg locked in cars)
• Short-nosed breeds (brachycephalic breeds of dog)
• Dogs that are obese
• Old dogs with cardiovascular disease
• Dogs that are excited
• Dogs that overexert themselves (eg chasing balls or sticks)

During heat stroke the following signs may be seen  :

• Panting
• Increased heart rate
• Congested mucous membranes of the mouth (deep red colour)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Dehydration - dry membranes in the mouth, the skin sticks up if pinched 
• Collapse and coma
• Death

Emergency first aid treatment involves getting the dogs temperature down to normal :

• Immerse the dog in cold water
• Surround the dog with bags of ice, or frozen food bags

NB In both cases it is important to monitor body temperature to avoid causing too low a fall in temperature - called  HYPOTHERMIA

Prevention :

• Provide your dog with protection from direct sunlight and high environmental temperatures. 
• NEVER leave your dog locked in a car without adequate ventilation. 
• Don't over-exercise your dog  (especially if it is old or overweight) on hot days.
• If your dog is panting heavily on a hot day let it rest, and keep it in a cool place.

Updated October 2013