06/06/2025
It's time for our yearly PSA about heat stroke in dogs. Please keep an eye out for the symptoms of heat stroke and make sure if you have a dog who is especially at risk that you take precautions this summer. Any dog can get heat stroke, and heat stroke can be fatal, so please, please, please be cautious with your dogs in the heat!
π₯ Symptoms can include excessive panting, drooling, vomiting/diarrhea, sudden collapse or weakness, acting confused, drooling, lethargy or sluggishness, bright red gums, seizures, increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and death.
π₯ Any dog can experience heat stroke but high risk dogs include brachycephalic dogs (Frenchies, Bulldogs, Boxers, Shih-Tsu, Cavaliers), double-coated dogs (Malamutes, Huskies, Chows, Collies, Shelties), elderly dogs, dogs with cardiac or respiratory disease.
π₯ "My dog collapsed - now what?" - GO. TO. THE. VET. It doesn't matter which one, go to whichever veterinary facility is closest. If your pet begins showing signs of heat stroke, bring them inside immediately, put them in front of the AC, offer them water, and then get them in the car and go to the vet. Heat stroke can come on fast, and can progress fast.