Recognizing Dehydration and Heat Stroke in Dogs

Summer heat and spending time at higher elevations can lead to dehydration for you and your dog. Know the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke in dogs so you can monitor your pet and act quickly if he starts to get sick.

Disclosure: I am not a veterinary professional. If you suspect your dog is suffering from dehydration or heatstroke, call your veterinarian immediately.

One of the joys of travel is taking a break from your usual routine. But it can also make it harder to monitor whether your pet is getting enough water or trying too hard. Sunny days, high temperatures, the higher altitudes you’re used to, high humidity, and lots of time outdoors can lead to dehydration and heat stroke in dogs.

Whether you’re driving, frolicking at the dog park, playing on the beach, or trail running, an ounce of prevention is the best medicine. So make sure you have plenty of water and give your pup plenty of drinking opportunities.

But even with your best efforts, dogs get excited and may not want to stop their activities long enough to stay hydrated. In these cases, leave your dog for short breaks and encourage him to drink. And always keep an eye on him for any signs that he’s not feeling well.

What is dehydration in dogs?

Dehydration occurs when a dog does not have enough water in their body. Dogs’ bodies are about 90% water and normal activities like panting and drooling decrease their fluids. Even a 10% drop in fluid levels can lead to severe dehydration.

Prevent your dog from becoming dehydrated

The best way to prevent dehydration and heatstroke in dogs is to make sure your dog drinks plenty of water. Always have enough water for you and your dog – when you’re hiking, he can even pack his own in a dog backpack! And don’t forget to take frequent breaks for a drink.

LEARN MORE ⇒ What is the best dog backpack?

Symptoms of Dehydration in Dogs

Dogs can’t tell you when they’re thirsty, so it’s important to have fresh, cool water available to them at all times. Yet sometimes they get busy fetching, hiking, or sporting squirrels and forget to stop for a drink. If you notice any of these symptoms, you need to act quickly to protect your dog:

• sunken eyes
• Too much or not enough urination
• Dry and sticky gums
• Lack of elasticity in the skin, which means that if you grab your dog’s skin at the neck and then release it, it should snap back into place. In dehydrated dogs, the skin will stay in a ridge and the longer it stays that way, the more severe the dehydration will be.

What to do if your dog shows signs of dehydration

If you suspect your dog may be dehydrated, the main goal is to get him to drink more fluids.

• Move it to a cool, shaded area to try to reduce panting.
• Give him some cool water, perhaps mixed with unsalted chicken broth or Pedialyte to encourage him to drink.

If your pup is severely dehydrated, it could be a critical emergency. Call your veterinarian or find the nearest emergency veterinary hospital so that IV fluids can be administered.

LEARN MORE ⇒ What you need to know about emergency vets (before you need them)

What is heatstroke in dogs?

Heatstroke in dogs is an extremely dangerous condition that occurs when a dog can no longer maintain its normal body temperature (around 101°F) by panting.

Heat and humidity raise your dog’s temperature, and at 106°F his internal organs may begin to shut down. At this point, you only have a few minutes to cool it down or it could suffer permanent organ damage or die.

Factors increasing the risk of heatstroke

Something as unique as your dog’s temperament can elevate his body temperature. For example, an anxious, excited or frightened animal, or one that barks excessively, is more likely to have heatstroke than a calm animal.

Additionally, dogs with short noses, such as pugs, bulldogs, and shar-peis, are more likely to have heat-related issues because they have less of a tongue to dissipate heat. Other factors that may play a role in heat stroke are:

• Direct sunshine
• high humidity
• Lack of breeze
• Health and weight of the animal
• Dog coat thickness
• Availability of fresh water
• Recent feeding
• Short-legged dogs are also exposed to more heat from the ground

How to help your dog beat the heat

As pet owners, it is our responsibility to do our best to protect our pets from the heat. Here are some suggestions to help your dog maintain his composure:

• Don’t leave your pet alone in the car
• Minimize outdoor activities on hot, humid days
• Exercise early morning and late evening when temperatures are cooler
• Keep your dog in a cool place in the house, such as the basement or an air-conditioned room
• Make sure your pets always have access to clean drinking water
• When your dog is outside, make sure he has shade, a breeze, and consider a kiddie pool for him to cool off in.

LEARN MORE ⇒ Is it illegal to leave your pet alone in the car?

Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Dogs

People often fail to recognize the symptoms of heatstroke and waste critical treatment time. Watch your dog carefully for these signs:

• Excessive panting
• Pale gums and bright red tongue
• Anxious or fixed expression
• Disorientation and confusion
• Increased heart rate and pulse
• thick saliva
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Collapse
• Coma

Simply learning to check your dog’s pulse, breathing, and temperature whenever he feels unwell can help you gauge his degree of pain, injury, or illness. And it can help you decide on an appropriate course of action.

LEARN MORE ⇒ How to Check Your Dog’s Pulse, Breathing and Temperature

Taking and recording your dog’s vital signs when healthy gives you a baseline to know when something is wrong. The difference between your dog’s normal readings and how he feels when he’s sick could very well lead you to see a professional doctor.

Treatment of heat stroke

Time is running out if your dog experiences heatstroke. Do not panic and follow these steps:

• If you are outdoors, place your dog in the shade.
• If you are indoors, move it to an air-conditioned place or place it in front of a fan. The airflow will help her body cool down.
• Monitor his temperature with a rectal thermometer and contact the nearest emergency veterinarian.
• Put it in a lukewarm bath or pour or sprinkle it gently with cold water. (Ice packs should not be used as you can chill it too much.)
• Give him water, but don’t let him drink so much that he vomits.
• Gently massage him and flex his legs to promote circulation.
• When your dog recovers from heatstroke, schedule a thorough exam with your veterinarian to rule out any organ damage.

It’s disappointing to see his plans thwarted by the weather. But no activity is worth risking your pet’s health! Dehydration and heatstroke in dogs are serious conditions that no pet owner wants to deal with.

When it’s too hot to play outside safely, find yourself a fan and enjoy a good nap together.

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