How to Prevent & Handle Heat Stroke in Dogs
- Rachel Velarde
- Aug, 10, 2020
- Overall Wellness, Pet Safety
- No Comments.

Even though summertime involves getting outside more and enjoying the weather, there are serious things to consider if and when you take your dog outdoors. The high temperatures, especially here in Central Florida, can be dangerous and sometimes deadly, and heat stroke, unfortunately, is a common occurrence during the warm months. It is vital to take the proper precautions and abide by the warnings of high temperatures & heat index (which is typically 5 to 10 degrees higher than the actual temperature) for your health and the health of your dogs. Pet parents may think they are doing a good gesture by taking their dog for a stroll, playing in the yard or even visiting the dog park, but doing so at the wrong hours of the day can and may involve grim consequences.
What is Heat Stroke in Dogs?
Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and hyperthermia all occur when your dog gets too hot. Their body temperature will rise above a healthy condition, causing them to no longer be able to regulate their body heat. Mild heat exhaustion can be treated at home, but severe heat stroke could require immediate vet care. With heat stroke, your dog could lose consciousness, get a high fever, or even have organ failure. 103 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a high body temperature for a dog. If your dog has no previous illness symptoms, a temperature of 106 degrees likely means that they received too much heat exposure and should be cared for right away. Temperatures of 107 degrees or higher are critical. Your dog could be at risk of organ failure or death, so it’s important to seek help right away.
Dogs can’t regulate their body temperature as easily as humans can. They pant instead of sweat, which isn’t as effective. Additionally, other factors could make your dog even more prone to heat stroke. Overweight dogs, senior dogs, dogs with thick coats and dogs with flat faces are all more likely to experience heat stroke. However, ALL dogs are still at risk during hot summer days for overheating.

How to Detect Heat Stroke in Dogs?
If it’s hot outside, make sure you pay close attention to your dog’s behaviors. Your dog should be cooled down right away if they show signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Here are some common signs of heat stroke in dogs:
- Excessive panting
- Glossy Eyes
- Bright red tongue
- Red, gray, blue, or purple gums
- Rapid heart rate
- Dehydration
- Excessive drooling
- Sticky saliva
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stumbling
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Collapsing
If your dog displays one or more of these symptoms, bring them into the shade or air conditioning immediately. Placing a cool, damp towel on their head or stomach is a great way to help them cool off and also if available, hosing their entire body down with cool water. Then, get them to the ER Vet to check them out right away.

Breeds More Prone to Heat Stroke
All dogs can get heat stroke, but it’s much more common for these certain breeds:
- English Bulldog
- Pug
- Boxer
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- French Bulldog
- Siberian Husky
- American Eskimo Dog
- Akita
- Boston Terrier
- Pekingese
- American Bulldog
- Shih Tzu
- Chow Chow
- Bullmastiff
How to Prevent Heat Stroke
Limit Time Outdoors
Exercise of course is important for your dog, however, sometimes exercising outside during certain times of the day and year may not be so beneficial. If you want to enjoy outside time with you pooch, opt for the early mornings and early evenings. This time of the day may still be very warm, but the sun will not be beating down and there is an abundance of shade provided during these times. There is also the other option of entertaining your dog indoors as well. There are all kinds of dog games for indoor play to stimulate their minds and get a little bit of physical stimulation in their as well.

Keep Hydrated
Dogs drink more water in the heat and will become dehydrated more quickly when they’re body temperatures rise. Making sure to have fresh water available for your dog when heading outdoors is must and keeping their water bowl full indoors is just as important, so they can stay hydrated even when they aren’t in the high temperatures.

Never Leave Your Dog Outside Unattended- This Goes for inside the car too
Any responsible dog parent knows the dangers of leaving your dog in a parked car or in your backyard unattended. Even if it’s only for a few minutes with the windows cracked, the car can heat up and turn into an oven! A parked car can reach 100 degrees after only 10 minutes, even if it’s only 70 degrees outside. Leaving your dog unattended in your backyard also poses a danger to them as well. It’s important to remember that dogs are more sensitive to heat than humans are and just because they are an animal, doesn’t mean they can withstand the heat. Over the years, dogs have been breed to live a domesticated lifestyle, indoors and in the cooler temperatures. Please do not forget they depend on us to take care of them and keep them healthy and happy!

Keep Your Home Cool
News flash, dogs can become overheated indoors as well. Leaving the air conditioning to a comfortable setting while you are away or present, is important in preventing heat stroke. This doesn’t mean you have to keep your house freezing or to the point where your energy bill is through the roof. But keeping your home to a temperature that will keep them cool, especially during the hottest parts of the day, is important. Some more tips to keep your home cool during the day are to close windows, turn on a fan, don’t leave any unnecessary lights on and do not run the dishwasher or clothes drying machine.

Treatments for Heat Stroke
It’s still possible for heat stroke to occur even if you work hard to prevent it. As soon as you notice the symptoms in your dog, you need to take care of them and rush them to the vet as soon as possible.
- Get your dog out of the heat as soon as they show signs of heat stroke
- Get them into an air-conditioned space-If you’re not near any shelter get them in the shade
- Put cool water on your dog to help them cool off but avoid using ice-cold water
- Put damp towels on their head and stomach first, then on their ears and paws to reduce their risk of fever
- Use a fan to dry off your dog once they start to cool down
- Make sure they have cool water accessible to them at all times (not ice cold-very important)
- Even if your dog seems to be feeling better you should still contact your vet
- If your dog becomes unconscious or if their heat stroke symptoms worsen, take them to the emergency Vet immediately

Why the ER Vet is Important
The sooner you contact your veterinarian, the safer your dog will be. Vets still need to check recovering dogs for related health concerns, such as dehydration, shock, and kidney failure. Even if your dog seems to be feeling okay or “back to normal”, underlying symptoms of heat stroke may be present. If your dog is still suffering from heat stroke, the Vet will continue to cool them down, using more cool water and even oxygen therapy in extreme cases.
After your Vet checks your dog’s health, they’ll be able to tell you what the next steps for their care are. Treatment for heat stroke-related problems could range in low to high pricing, that’s why it is crucial to have a Vet look at your dog before symptoms worsen.
About Dip’ n Dogs Hydrotherapy – Orlando, FL
At Dip’n Dogs Hydrotherapy, we are certified and caring professionals devoted to restoring and enhancing the health and happiness of your beloved pup. Encompassing a pool, as well as a certified hydrotherapist, this can provide effective and long lasting results for your pet’s injury or illness. We are conveniently located in Winter Park, FL. Contact us today at (407) 227-0030. Our Services include the following: Outdoor Hydrotherapy and In-Home Mobile Therapy for dogs. We look forward to hearing from you!

What Our Clients Are Saying
Rachel is extremely kind, gentle and motivational towards animals. She provides quality individual attention.
What a great way to help your animal!Chase Milner March 20, 2018
"My Lab mix Tucker, is a new client of Dip'n Dogs. After just a few assisted swims with Rachel, we have seen great results with his weight loss and overall behavior. Rachel is fun and motivating when in the water and Tucker really loves his weekly swim session!"
Patrick Haggerty March 22, 2018
"Rachel is amazing! The changes in Blu’s overall physical health have been worth every effort. I recommend hydrotherapy for any dog’s overall fitness health."
Jennifer Corso Leonard April 29, 2018
"Rachel is wonderful with our fur baby Bella. We were told by Bella’s vet that she needed to lose some weight and we are already seeing results! Bella may not be the easiest client (very much a diva) but Rachel is so patient and gentle with her. Bella is a mix of husky and German Shepherd so we want to keep her fit to prevent conditions that are common with those breeds."
Kaela Rebecca April 30, 2018
"Our little Yorkie Jack has arthritis and our vet recommended trying hydrotherapy. Jack is a yipper but remains calm with Rachel! After his sessions, we do see Jack go up the two steps he usually avoids, with less hesitation and his walking seems easier! Thank you Rachel!"
Joni Browder April 30, 2018
"Our 11 year-old Yorkie just started hydrotherapy for his arthritis. Since starting, he’s a little more agile, and goes upstairs with more ease! Thanks Rachel for all you do and your extra TLC with our little Jack!"
Caitlin Browder May 5, 2018
My beagle, Badger, is overweight (like many beagles are) but I wasn’t too worried because we would go for long walk/runs to keep him healthy. BUT, his hips began to hurt and he wouldn’t walk for more than just a few minutes. I was worried he would become obese! I found Dip’n Dogs online and signed Badger up for hydrotherapy with Rachel. Not only is he almost back to normal with our walks but he has lost a bit of weight! The swims have definitely benefited him. Rachel is kind, patient and very flexible with scheduling appointments. Plus, her package deals help with the cost. I highly recommend her services. Both Badger and I are much happier than we were a month or so ago!”
Camille King July 12, 2018
“Jack’s mobility has benefited from the swimming sessions in a short time. I appreciate the patience and care Rachel has shown with our 17 year old Jack Russell. He needs special attention and she always gives him terrific assistance. I wish we had known about hydrotherapy earlier in his life. I know he would be in even better shape than he is now.”
Seth Miller July 12, 2018
"Hope is getting her second session of water therapy to help with her arthritis in her spine and legs and build her leg muscles back up! Maria and I love her trainer Rachel!"
Andrea Ruiz-Hays July 17, 2018
"Rachel has been awesome and I would most definitely recommend her!! My 12 year old beagle recently had knee surgery and she reached out to me through social media to let me know about her services. When it came time for him to start hydrotherapy as part of his recovery I contacted Rachel and set up an appointment. She was very responsive to messages and easy to get a hold of to set up our first appointment. After our first session my beagle started walking better and showing improvement in his healing process. I decided to buy a 4 session pack from her and taking him to see her weekly. Since we have started, his mobility has improved after each session and he gets around better than ever."
Caitlyn Canada July 17, 2018
"Rachel became certified in canine hydrotherapy through the certification program we offer through The Canine Fitness Institute. Since then, she has been working with dogs daily and I've seen her skills and competence grow by leaps and bounds. She opened her own business in 2018 - Dip N Dogs Canine Hydrotherapy and is doing a great job helping a wide variety of dogs regain strength after surgery, lose weight, become more mobile even though they have arthritis, and more. To further her knowledge, she continues to study and research a variety of orthopedic conditions that routinely affect dogs. She is very personable and her clients love her and the care she gives their dogs. If your dog can benefit from the incredible healing effects of hydrotherapy, I recommend you give Rachel a call."
Sherri Cappabianca July 17, 2018
"Jack was always extremely active throughout his life. Now at 17 plus years, he isn’t able to walk as well as we would like, due to arthritis and atrophy from age a medications he has taken. The hydrotherapy treatments with Rachel have made such a difference. They have helped him maintain his mobility and gain additional strength. Jack swims twice a week with Rachel. He swims very hard and I think he enjoys the mobility in the water that he no longer has on land. I wish we had known about hydrotherapy and Rachel earlier. I don’t think it is ever to early to start your dog swimming. I know would be in even better shape now than he is, if we had started him sooner. I highly recommend Rachel to work with your pet. She always has Jack’s best interest in mind and we certainly appreciate that."
Carrie Miller September 10, 2018
"Rachel is a pro when it comes to helping our dog Ellie feel comfortable during her swimming session. She has a kind nature towards animals and is really good at what she does. I'm glad we found out about her business. I highly recommend her services for your pet's well being."
Andy Schifaro September 10, 2018
"Rachel's calm, confident approach had our dog very comfortable."
Tracy Robinson September 10, 2018
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Our vet was very happy with Griffins weight at his last check up this past week. They were happy that he had not gained any as many dogs do after being neutered. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel! she is a true dog lover."
Sara Palmer September 10, 2018
"Rachel was wonderful with my Dusty who had an FHO done on his right hip but his left hip is not so good either. As of right now his right has healed wonderfully and his left hip is holding strong! I believe it is because of hydrotherapy with Rachel. Dusty had his surgery in March and I can’t go fast enough for him on his walks! I might need some hydrotherapy myself!"
Terrie Sandefur October 3, 2018
"Rachel seems to see and love my Hannah's Spirit. Hannah recently said goodbye, for now, to Hazel, her litter mate and twin. Needing some fun new experiences and with a recent arthritis diagnosis, Dip'n Dogs was a nice adventure. Hannah enjoys the pool. Seems a natural swimmer. And Rachel has a good positive energy!"
Gwen Hartmann October 4, 2018
"Rachel is a caring and experienced dog guardian and is one of my dog, Maisie’s, favorite people. I highly recommend Dip'n Dogs!"
Marcia Caton February 18, 2019
"Sophie doesn't love the pool but Rachel was so great with her that Sophie was giving her kisses by the end! I'm so excited about Sophie continuing her hydrotherapy!"
Katlyn Billue February 18, 2019
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Our vet was very happy with Griffins weight at his last check up this past week. They were happy that he had not gained any as many dogs do after being neutered. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel! she is a true dog lover."
Sara Palmer February 18, 2019
"Guinness and I are so happy that we met Rachel. She is super nice, gentle, patient and knows how to make Guinness comfortable in the pool, because he gets soo nervous. She is helping Guiness get back on his leg after a luxating patella injury. Right now he is doing great and starting to put his leg down when walking. I would definitely recommend Rachel- best hydrotherapy
:) and she does a great job in the pool. Thank you Rachel!"
Noelia Cocco February 18, 2019
"From the instant that I met Rachel, I felt comfortable with her and would have trusted her with any of my dogs. She came and worked with my senior, blind Shih Tzu this summer. My Millicent has arthritis, bad skin, allergies and had recently developed a heart murmur. Rachel made sure to go over Millie’s health history with me and was very aware of how Millie was doing the whole time she worked with her. It is great exercise for an old, lazy dog!"
Kristi Klein February 18, 2019