How to Handle Dog Heatstroke

wangvivien

February 20, 2025

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How to Handle Dog Heatstroke

If Your Dog Overheats Outdoors.

1. Move your dog to a shaded area as soon as possible.

2. Find a water source and wet your dog's body, especially the paw pads.To effectively lower body temperature, focus on cooling areas with large blood vessels:

Groin area (inner thighs)
Neck and throat area (carotid artery)
Armpits (inner front legs)

If you have cooling tools, apply an ice pack or a cold towel to these three areas.

3. Provide small amounts of water and seek veterinary care immediately.

Beware of Slow Heatstroke Indoors

Sometimes, owners leave their dogs in a non-air-conditioned room while they’re out, then turn on the air conditioning when they return. Since dogs don’t regulate temperature as well as humans, these sudden temperature fluctuations can overwhelm their central nervous system. Over time, this can lead to chronic heatstroke.

For Mild Heatstroke:

Give small amounts of room-temperature water frequently. Keep the tongue cool and moist but avoid wetting the head.
Move your dog to a shaded area.
Wet the belly to help dissipate heat.
Wrap a chilled water bottle in a cloth or towel and place it against the inner thighs, throat, and neck.
Soak a towel in cool water, place it over your dog’s side, and pour more cool water on it periodically.
Submerge your dog in a large tub of cool water while gently rinsing them. Dampen your hands with cool water and rub the ear canal.

For Moderate Heatstroke:

Use cool (not ice-cold) running water to continuously rinse the body (but avoid the head and mouth). Ensure proper ventilation.
Use alcohol or liquor with a cotton ball or wet wipe to wipe all four paw pads and between the toes. After wiping, use a fan to help evaporate the heat—repeat the process multiple times.

For Severe Heatstroke:

Release some blood by trimming the nails slightly beyond the quick—cutting five or six nails is fine. (This helps lower blood pressure.)

Continue cooling measures: