Heat Exhaustion in Dogs

However, some dogs with more mild signs of heat exhaustion may develop severe diarrhea with blood in it, so seek treatment and follow your vet's recommendations. The dogs that overheat enough to develop heat stroke and have more severe signs including seizures, coma, and/or blood clotting dysfunction have a worse prognosis for recovery and many unfortunately do not survive.3

How to Prevent Heat Exhaustion

The best way to avoid heat exhaustion in your pup is with good planning and prevention. Keep your dog as cool as possible on hot days. Avoid exercise or long walks during the hottest times of day and try to take your dog out early in the morning or after sunset when the day is cooler. Always bring water on your walks and try to find walking routes in the shade.  

For dogs who are very young, older, overweight, or who have breathing problems, they should be kept indoors with a fan and/or air conditioner on at all times on hot days. These dogs should only be taken out for very brief bathroom breaks when the temperature soars outside, and they should always have water available to them. 

While it may be common knowledge for most dog owners, it is worth repeating that you should never leave your pet enclosed in a car even if it doesn’t seem to be that hot outside. Estimates vary, but most sources say that the temperature inside a car can be up to 30-40 degrees hotter than the outside temperature. A dog can easily overheat inside a car even on a day that doesn’t seem so hot to us. Don’t plan to fly with your dog in a cargo hold that lacks climate control, especially if you expect hot weather during the flight or you have a pup with underlying health conditions that makes it hard for them to pant effectively.  

In most cases, heat exhaustion can be avoided if you keep a close eye on your pup’s body language and take precautions to keep them cool. And if you do notice signs that your pup looks very hot, remember that quick and early intervention can make a huge difference in getting your pup recovered and back to their favorite activities.