Dog Heatstroke: Turn Down the Heat First Then rushed to the animal hospital
Last checked 2026-07-05
- Take the dog away from the hot spot, stop the activity, and immediately start pouring cool water on it and turning on the fan or air conditioner.
- Call the animal hospital and leave. Don't wait for symptoms to improve on their own. This is because internal organs may continue to be damaged even after the body begins to cool down.
- Dogs are young, strong and feel good after exercise. May be soaked in cold water. Make sure to keep your nose and mouth out of the water at all times.
- If your dog has a short face, has difficulty breathing, vomits, convulses, becomes lethargic, or loses consciousness, do not soak it in water. Use cold water and blow air while rushing to the veterinarian.
- If rectal temperature can be measured safely Stop turning down the heat when it's around 39.4–39.5 degrees Celsius to avoid getting too cold.
When you see the symptoms, what is the first thing you do?
Take your dog indoors or into an air-conditioned room. Stop running and stop all activities. Then start reducing the heat. Don't waste time waiting for the car or waiting to finish talking to the doctor before starting. Guidelines from the Royal Veterinary College clearly state that you should turn down the heat first. Then took him to the animal hospital.
Continuously pour cold water from the faucet all over the body. Ready to turn on the fan or air conditioner or receive wind while traveling. The water must actually touch the skin. It's not just about putting a wet cloth over the fur. Call the animal hospital on loudspeaker and leave immediately. Turning down the heat at home is not a reason to wait and see.
You can use cold water. No need to wait for warm water.
Current evidence supports the use of cold water to rapidly reduce temperature in appropriate dogs. Especially dogs that are young, strong, awake and overheated after exercise. If there is a tub or pool that can be safely entered Can soak the body in cold water. Keep your head, nose, and mouth out of the water at all times.
No need to use ice. Cold water from a readily available tap or pool is sufficient. The key is to start early and continue. Don't use ice as your primary method. And don't cover yourself with a wet towel. This is because the fabric will warm up and trap the heat with you.
What kind of dogs should not be soaked in water?
Do not soak in water if the dog is depressed, unconscious, convulsing, vomiting, or unable to control its head. or difficulty breathing Because of the risk of choking short faced dog Dogs with respiratory disease and dogs held in water are not safe. You should use the method of pouring cold water all over the body and blowing air instead.
Don't force it to fill with water. Only give yourself small sips while you are awake and able to swallow normally. Do not give medicine, lemon juice, or rub alcohol on the paws. These methods do not cure heat stroke and may increase the dangers.
When will the heat be reduced?
If you have a thermometer and can measure rectum safely. Stop continuous cooling when the temperature drops to around 39.4–39.5 degrees Celsius to reduce the chance of the temperature continuing to drop too low. But if you can't measure it Don't waste your time looking for mercury or delaying your trip.
Lower temperatures do not mean danger is eliminated. Dogs may arrive at the hospital with a normal or low temperature after receiving hypothermia. Although still in a state of shock Abnormal blood clotting, kidney injury, or other organ damage Must have a veterinarian examine every case.
Warning symptoms that need to be urgently
Common symptoms include unusually heavy breathing, excessive salivation, restlessness, staggering, weakness, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, dark red or pale gums. If you begin to collapse, convulse, lose consciousness, or have difficulty breathing, it is considered critical.
Start turning down the heat and leave immediately, even if you're not sure yet. Research on real patients has found that starting heat treatment before reaching the hospital is associated with a better chance of survival. And arriving too late is associated with a higher risk of death. This evidence is correlation from patient data. It is not a guarantee of results for each dog.
Next round of protection
Avoid running and walking during the hot sun. Especially on hot and humid days Always prepare water and a resting point. Short-faced dogs, thick-haired dogs, obese, elderly, or those with heart or respiratory disease are at higher risk than normal. Do not leave your dog in the car with the windows open or in the shade.
If you must exercise, start short in the morning or evening. Watch for panting and walking. Don't wait until you fail before stopping. And save the 24-hour animal hospital number near your home before the incident.
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that using cold water will cause the blood vessels to shrink to the point where they cannot cool themselves?
This blanket warning is inconsistent with current evidence. Studies have shown that cold water lowers temperatures quickly in suitable dogs. It is important to choose a method based on your dog's condition. Keep your airway safe. and stop reducing the heat when the temperature reaches the target range.
Can I use a damp towel to cover myself?
Shouldn't be left covered. Because the cloth will absorb heat and trap it close to you. Use the method of continually pouring water on your body and then blowing air through it to help dissipate heat better.
Symptoms are better now. Do I still have to go to the hospital?
You have to go. Heat stroke can cause abnormalities in the kidneys, liver, brain, circulation, and blood clotting. Some damage continues after cooling and appearing to recover.
Should my dog drink lots of water?
Do not add water if you are awake and swallowing normally. You can lick or sip it yourself a little at a time. But if you're depressed, vomiting, convulsing, or having difficulty breathing, Do not give anything by mouth. Because of the risk of choking
Reference source: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · www.rvc.ac.uk · www.mdpi.com · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · vcahospitals.com · www.vet.cornell.edu