Heatstroke in Dogs:
What You Should Know
Summer officially arrived last week; in typical Alabama fashion, it’s HOT! The heat and humidity are not only dangerous for us – the combination can be deadly to our pets. When people get hot, our body sweats to help cool us down. Dogs cool-down mechanism is panting. They have some sweat glands on their footpads but benefits are minimal.
To keep your dog safe this summer, make sure you know the signs of heatstroke and how to provide immediate care if your best furry friend is in distress.
Signs of Heatstroke
Dogs indicate signs of overheating by excessive panting. If they are too hot, they may be unable or unwilling to move around.
Heatstroke signs also include drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhea, mental dullness or loss of consciousness, uncoordinated movement and/or collapse.
Some dogs are more prone to overheating and heatstroke, especially older, overweight or brachycephalic (Pugs, Bulldogs and other flat-faced breeds). Dogs with thick fur and short noses should also be monitored closely during hot summer days.
Providing Immediate Care
If your dog is exhibiting any sign of overheating or heatstroke, immediately remove them from the hot environment. According to Hillspet.com, here are some important steps to take if your dog is in distress from overheating.
- Immediately move your dog to a cooler area, either indoors where there is air conditioning or in the shade under a fan.
- Use a rectal thermometer to check your pet’s temperature. Heat exhaustion typically occurs when a dog's temperature falls between 103 and 106 degrees. A temperature above 106 places him at risk for heatstroke. If he's in the danger zone, call your veterinarian.
- If you're near a body of fresh water, such as a lake or a baby pool, let your dog take a dip to cool down. Otherwise, you can use cool, wet clothes or towels to help out. Place your cool wet clothes on the neck, armpits, and between hind legs. You can also gently wet the ears and paw pads with cool water.
- If your pet is conscious and willing to drink, provide cool, fresh water. Don't force it, however, as it may end up in the lungs. If your dog can't or won't drink, or can't keep water down, wet the tongue with water instead. Don't feed ice cubes or chips, this could cause the temperature to drop too quickly, leading to shock.
- Get your pet to the vet. If you haven't already done so, call ahead so they can be ready to take immediate action as soon as you arrive.
Heatstroke is preventable. To avoid overheating altogether, here are some helpful tips.
- Keep your pet indoors during hot, humid days.
- If they must be outside, limit their time in the heat, make sure they have plenty of fresh, cool water, and provide a shady place to escape the sun.
- Keep them off hot pavement. A good rule to follow is…if the pavement is too hot for you to walk on barefooted, it’s definitely too hot for your dog. Their paw pads are sensitive and can burn easily.
- Never leave your pet in a locked car with the windows up and the air conditioning off. Temperatures in a car, even with the windows slightly open, can rise to dangerous levels within a few minutes.
Finally, if you suspect your pet is experiencing a heatstroke or heat related distress, make sure you bring them to the clinic for an evaluation. Together, we can help keep your pets safe and happy this summer.
Have a great summer!
Julie Grimes, DVM
Melissa Miller, DVM
Sarah Foster, DVM
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Grimes-Rorer Wedding
On June 15, 2019 Aubrie Ellen Grimes and Brian Rorer were married at Homestead Manor in Franklin, TN. Aubrie grew up in Birmingham and often spent time as a little girl, running around the clinic watching her mom take care of the pets. She met Brian at Belmont University
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*All Specials good through July 31, 2019
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Dr. Melissa Joseph Miller
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Alex Grimes Graduates From Belmont Law School
Alex recently graduated cum Laude with a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Belmont University College of Law. Congratulations Alex! For more photos, visit our
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Updated Training Class Schedule
Puppy/Beginner Obedience (6-week course)
- Thursday, July 25 @ 6:30 pm
- Instructor: Anthony Rodriguez
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Summer Heat. Summer Groom
The oppressive summer heat and humidity can be dangerous to your pets, especially if they are outside dogs.
To help them handle the hot weather, consider giving you dog a summer shave. For long-haired pets this can be a cooler change for the summer.
Other pets will benefit from a regular bath. This keeps them clean and refreshed during these hot days.
To schedule your pets grooming and bath call
967-7383.
Angie Bullock
Head Groomer
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