Ask the Expert: Heatstroke in dogs: dogs don‘t just die in hot cars (Episode 2)

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to canine researchers, canicrosser Anne Carter and vet Emily Hall, about how to spot the early signs of heatstroke when exercising your dog. Not just an issue over summer, but something to be aware of all year round.



Early signs of heatstroke in dogs can include:

• Excessive panting, that doesn’t ease when you stop the activity


• A longer, or spade shaped, tongue


• A reluctance to move, or lethargy


• Changes in how your dog moves, such as poor coordination

If not caught early, severe heatstroke can be fatal, and preceding symptoms can include:

• Confusion


• Seizures


• Diarrhoea and vomiting, which may contain blood


• Bleeding under the skin


• Losing consciousness

It’s important to cool your dog quickly, if you suspect it is suffering heatstroke.

• Stop the activity you’re doing


• Find shade


• Douse the dog in water (river, hose, wet towel, whatever you can find, or use car aircon)


• Get your dog to a vet quickly if you’re worried

Dogs don’t just die in hot cars; a lot of dogs overheat by over exertion, and not just in hot temperatures (this includes walking as well as running), as they can’t cool themselves as effectively as we can.



Thanks to Anne and Emily at Hot Dogs Research. You can read all of Anne and Emily's research at https://heatstroke.dog/