Every summer, hundreds of dogs suffer from heatstroke in France, sometimes with a fatal outcome. Unlike us, dogs don't sweat through their skin — they regulate their temperature primarily through panting and, marginally, through their pads. This system is much less effective than human sweating. Result: when it's hot, your dog overheats much faster than you. Here's how to protect it.
Recognize the signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke (hyperthermia) is a life-threatening emergency. The dog's body temperature exceeds 40°C and the regulatory mechanisms are overwhelmed. Internal organs begin to suffer within minutes. Knowing how to recognize the first signs can save your companion's life.
- Excessive and rapid panting — the dog can no longer cool down, breathing accelerates abnormally.
- Bright red or purplish gums — sign of extreme vasodilation then circulatory failure.
- Thick salivation and abundant — saliva becomes viscous, the dog drools abnormally.
- Staggering gait, disorientation — the brain begins to suffer from overheating.
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea — often bloody in severe cases.
- Prostration, loss of consciousness — critical stage, risk of death imminent.
First aid: the 5 actions that save
If you suspect heat stroke, every minute counts. Here is the emergency procedure recommended by veterinarians.
Move it to a cool, shaded and ventilated place. If you are outside without shade, create some with what you have (towel, clothing, parasol). Lay it on a cool surface (tiles, damp grass).
Caution: ice water or ice cubes cause vasoconstriction which prevents cooling. Use cool (15-20°C) water. Wet the groin, armpits, neck and pads first — these are the most effective cooling areas.
Create a draft on the wet dog: fan, magazine, fan, car air conditioning. Evaporation is the fastest cooling mechanism. Do not cover the dog with a wet cloth — this creates a pressure cooker effect.
Let the dog drink if he is conscious, but in small sips. Never force him to drink. If he is unconscious or semi-conscious, do not give him anything by mouth (risk of misdirection). Moisten his lips with a wet cloth.
Even if the condition seems to be improving, consult a veterinarian urgently. Internal complications (renal failure, DIC, cerebral edema) may appear in the hours that follow. During transport, keep the air conditioning on and continue to humidify the dog.
Even at 20°C outside, the temperature in a closed vehicle reaches 40°C in 10 minutes and 56°C in 30 minutes. Window ajar or not, ventilation is insufficient. A confined dog can die in less than 30 minutes. If you see a dog in distress in a vehicle, call 17 (police) or 18 (fire). In France, article 122-7 of the Penal Code authorizes breaking a window in the event of immediate danger for the animal.
Breeds and risk profiles
All dogs are not equal when it comes to heat. Certain body shapes and conditions significantly increase the risk.
| Profile | Brachycephalic breeds | Standard breeds |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Bulldog, Pug, Boxer, Shih Tzu, Pekingese | Labrador, Shepherd, Beagle, Spaniel |
| Heat tolerance | Very poor | Moderate to good |
| Temp. critical | From 25 °C outside | Above 30 °C |
| Respiratory capacity | Reduced (compressed airways) | Normal |
| Risk of stroke heat | Very high | Moderate |
| Activity in summer | Limit to 10 min at 25°C+ | Adapt schedules, frequent breaks |
Other risk factors : elderly dogs, obese dogs, dogs with black or thick coats, dogs with heart or respiratory diseases, dogs not acclimated to heat.
