As the temperatures climb, keeping your dog safe from heat-related problems can be a real challenge. It’s normal to worry if your dog is just thirsty or if they might be experiencing something more serious like heat stroke. As a pet parent, you need to understand the difference between dehydration and heat stroke in dogs, as both can have serious consequences.
Heat stroke and dehydration are two common issues that affect dogs in hot weather, but they’re not the same thing. While dehydration is caused by a lack of fluid intake, heat stroke is caused by overheating because the body has lost its ability to regulate its internal temperature.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between heat stroke and dehydration. We will also learn to spot the symptoms of each and discuss steps you can take to treat both conditions.
What is heat stroke in dogs?
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition where a dog’s temperature rises to about 40.6°C because the body has lost its ability to regulate its internal temperature. It is hyperthermia that occurs when a dog overheats due to external factors. This can damage important organs like your pet’s kidneys, heart, and brain.
While heat strokes in dogs can happen at any time during the year, it’s typically seen during the summer months. Common causes of heat stroke in dogs include being left in a hot car, excessive exercise, and lack of access to shade or water.
Predispositions to heat stroke
Many factors can contribute to making dogs more prone to heat stroke. According to PetMD, brachycephalic dogs are more susceptible to heat stress because of their narrow nostrils or small nostril openings. Large breed dogs like Labradors are also more prone to heat stress due to their size.
A dog’s environment also plays a huge role in predisposing it to heat stroke. If your dog is used to a colder region and has not acclimatised to the hot weather, they are also more likely to come down with heat stroke. Obesity, respiratory diseases, thick coats, and cardiovascular disease may also contribute to heat stroke.
Symptoms of heat stroke in dogs
Heat stroke can result in serious complications and requires immediate intervention. Dogs maintain a body temperature of 37-39°C, but when it rises above 41°C, they show signs of heat stroke. Here are early signs that your dog is suffering from heat stroke:
- High body temperature (above 40.6°C)
- Excessive panting and rapid breathing
- Drooling
- Dry mucous membranes
- Bright red gums and tongue
- Skin that feels hot to the touch
The longer a dog’s temperature stays elevated, the more the symptoms worsen. These symptoms include:
- Lethargy and confusion
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea (can sometimes be bloody)
- Pale mucous membranes with white or blue gum
- Lowered blood pressure
- In severe cases, they may collapse and have seizures indicating critical organ failure.
What is dehydration in dogs?
Dehydration in dogs is a serious medical condition where the body loses more fluids and electrolytes than it takes in. Since dogs need these electrolytes and water for normal body functions, this imbalance often leads to health issues. These include fluid shortage, decreased oxygen delivery to tissues, and multiple organ failure.
Dehydration in dogs can be caused by decreased water intake or excessive fluid loss. This fluid loss could result from prolonged vomiting, diarrhoea, or different illnesses. Environmental factors can also cause dehydration as seen in excessive water loss during hot weather.
Symptoms of dehydration in dogs
Dog dehydration symptoms include:
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Sunken eyes
- Dry eyes, nose, and gums
- Reduced skin elasticity (tenting)
- Lethargy
Heat stroke vs dehydration in dogs
In dogs, heat stroke and dehydration could have severe implications. Both conditions are also different based on their causes and signs.
Heat stroke involves dangerously high body temperature while dehydration doesn’t always cause a high temperature. Another major difference seen is between canine heat stroke treatment and dehydration treatment. While the focus of treatment in heat stroke is cooling, dehydration treatment focuses on fluid replacement.
Heat stroke is generally more severe and life-threatening if not treated immediately. In addition to this, canine heat stroke usually happens suddenly while dehydration is a gradual process. However, dehydration often contributes to heat stroke.
| Aspect | Heat Stroke | Dehydration |
| Cause | Overheating | Lack of fluids and electrolytes |
| Body Temperature | Elevated (often above 40°C / 104°F) | Normal or slightly elevated |
| Symptoms | ||
| Gums | Bright red or pale | Dry and sticky |
| Skin Elasticity | Not affected | Skin doesn’t bounce back when pinched |
| First-Aid Treatment | Cooling | Rehydration with water and electrolytes |
How to tell if your dog has heat stroke or dehydration
The best way to determine if your dog has heat stroke or dehydration is to identify the causes and study the symptoms. Note that both heat stroke and dehydration can occur at the same time.
Signs that your dog is suffering from heat stroke or dehydration include heavy panting and drooling, lethargy, high body temperature, vomiting, and many more.
How to treat heat-related issues in dogs
Heat issues are usually serious issues that need veterinary help. Yet, there are things that you can do to treat heat-related issues in your dog before getting it to the hospital.
Home remedies for heat stroke in dogs
For heat stroke, dogs need immediate care to prevent complications. While every dog with heat stroke needs vet assistance, there are a few home remedies that can help heat stroke in its early stages.
- Cool with Water: Wet your dog with cool (not cold) water, especially on the belly, paws, and armpits.
- Use a Fan or Air Conditioner.
- Give your pet small sips of cool water.
- Place cool, wet towels on their body, especially at the neck and back.
- Track your dog’s temperature as you try these cooling methods.
While heat stroke first aid can provide initial relief, they are not substitutes for veterinary care. In canine heat stroke treatment, the vet will likely administer intravenous (IV) fluids or provide oxygen therapy. The vet can also check for organ damage.
Things to avoid in heat stroke treatment
When treating heat stroke, there are a few things you should definitely avoid. Don’t use ice-cold water or ice packs because this can trap heat inside your dog’s body. Also, don’t force your dog to chug a lot of water because it could cause them to choke or throw up.
And while it might seem like a good idea, don’t dunk your dog in cold water. This may shock their system and make things worse.
Home remedies for dehydration in dogs
Since dehydration in dogs is caused by fluid loss, home remedies usually work to replenish this fluid.
Encourage more water intake
Give your dog clean water and have them drink small amounts frequently. To make the water more enticing, you could try adding chicken broth to it. You can also freeze water to create treats for your dog.
Moisten your dog’s gums
If your dog refuses to drink, a cool hack is to rub a damp cloth on their gums to provide moisture. You can also use a syringe to push small water into its mouth.
Give an electrolyte solution
When the body doesn’t receive enough water, the cells lose electrolytes. You can replace these lost electrolytes by giving electrolyte-rich fluid. Consult your veterinarian to help choose the right one for you.
Feed wet food
If your dog is reluctant to drink, feeding wet food is a good way to keep up their fluid intake. You could also try adding broth to their dry kibble.
Consult your vet
While these remedies can help with slightly dehydrated dogs, dehydration is usually a pointer to a serious medical issue. As a pet parent, you should take your pet to the vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Best ways to prevent heat stroke and dehydration in dogs
With heat issues in dogs, prevention is always better than cure. Here are a few preventative measures for heat stress and dehydration in dogs:
- Avoid excessive exposure to heat. Never ever leave dogs in parked cars.
- Always provide your pet access to clean water.
- Consider using cooling products when the weather is hot.
- During the hot weather, change your dog’s exercise regimen. Reduce its intensity and duration and learn new ways to have fun indoors.
- Watch vulnerable dog breeds closely in the summer.
- Shave your hairy dog in the summer. According to Groomers Online, this allows you to check how well your dog is coping in the heat.
- Watch out for signs of dehydration or heat stress.
Conclusion
Keeping your dog safe from heat stroke and dehydration is important, especially during summer. Knowing the signs of both and taking steps to prevent them from happening can make a huge difference. With a little extra care, you can help your dog stay happy and cool through the summer.