An emergency guide to dealing with heat stroke in dogs that every owner should know by heart

• A dog can get heat stroke if their body temperature rises to 105°F or higher.
• Some signs of heat stroke are heavy panting, excessive drooling, and bright red gums.

A dog's normal body temperature can be anywhere between 100.5 and 102.5°F. They develop heat stroke if their body temperature rises to the point that they can't regulate it anymore, which is about 105°F or higher.

According to Erica Reineke, associate professor of emergency and critical care at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, there are two causes of heat stroke in dogs, namely:

• Exertional heat due to strenuous physical activity, or
• Environmental heat from exposure to hot and humid conditions

Just like in humans, heat stroke is life-threatening for dogs because it may cause widespread organ damage. Keep in mind that thick-coated and overweight dogs are at a higher risk for heat stroke.

Here are the symptoms of heat stroke dog owners should watch out for and when to see a vet immediately.

Symptoms of heat stroke in dogs

Panting is normal because it is the main way dogs regulate their body temperature. But according to Brian Collins, senior lecturer and senior chief of Community Practice Service at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, you should suspect heat stroke if the panting:

• Seems more intense than usual, with heavier, more labored breaths
• Is associated with being out in the sun for prolonged periods
• Happens after intense or overly strenuous physical activity
• Occurs while they are in a very hot environment, like inside a car

Aside from heavy panting, watch out for the other early signs of heat stroke, such as:

• Excessive drooling
• Bright red gums and tongue
• Skin that is hot to the touch

Dogs most at risk of heat stroke

Any dog can develop heat stroke, but some are particularly at risk for it, says Reineke, including:

• Military or police dogs working in hot environments
• Overweight or obese dogs
• Brachycephalic or "flat-faced" dogs such as boxers, bulldogs, and pugs
• Dogs with very thick coats like Alaskan huskies
• Dogs who have a history of heat stroke

How to help your dog

It's important to lower your dog's body temperature gradually to help them adjust from extreme heat.

According to Reineke and Collins, keep the following things in mind when trying to help a dog with signs of heat stroke:

When to see a vet immediately

Reineke recommends seeking veterinary care immediately if your dog exhibits the following symptoms:

• Unmanageable vomiting and diarrhea
• Disorientation or abnormal mental awareness
• Seizures
• Weakness or collapse
• Unconsciousness

Keep performing cooling measures on your way to the veterinary hospital. Mist your dog with cool water, turn on air conditioning, and roll down the windows for a breeze, Collins says.

When you arrive, the vet will continue the cooling process — which can include shaving dogs with heavy coats, if necessary — and do a full assessment, he adds.

According to Collins and Reineke, having the dog's organs exposed to dangerously high temperatures puts them at risk of the following:

• Low blood pressure
• Low blood sugar
• Heart arrhythmias
• Blood clotting disorders
• Systemic inflammation
• Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

Dogs may require various treatments like intravenous fluids, antibiotics, pain relief, or other medications depending on their condition, Collins says.

How to prevent heat stroke

To prevent your dog from having a heat stroke, remember the following tips:

• Avoid the hottest times of the day. Consider walking your dog early in the morning or late in the day when temperatures are cooler, Reineke says. "If it feels hot to you, it is hot to them," she adds.
• Provide access to shade and water. Dogs should always have access to shade and plenty of fresh water, Collins says. You can also provide a shallow pool outside the house during play time to allow them to cool off when needed, he adds.
• Stay indoors during extreme heat events. During days of extremely high temperatures, keep your dog cool indoors with fans or air conditioning.
• Never leave your dog unattended in a car. Temperatures become dangerously hot within minutes even when you think it's not that hot outside, Reineke says.

"It is helpful to remember that most dogs are wearing a permanent fur coat and that they are unable to cool off to any significant degree by sweating as their people do," Collins says.

Insider's takeaway

Your dog might be experiencing a heat stroke if you see them panting and drooling excessively after intense physical activity or exposure to a hot and humid environment.

You can help them lower their temperature by putting them in front of a fan and misting their body with water.

If your dog has uncontrollable vomiting and diarrhea, disorientation, and seizures, take them to the vet to seek immediate medical care.