Heat stroke is caused when a dog is unable to regulate its body temperature by panting. The most common causes of heatstroke in dogs are often due to negligence or carelessness. For example, leaving a dog outside in a hot weather without water and shade, or leaving a dog in a car.

Some breed of dogs (short snout and thick furred dogs) are more predisposed to heatstroke. Also, dogs with an underlying medical condition should be monitored because they are more at risk.

Signs of Heatstroke

• Excessive panting.
• Excessive drooling.
• Reddened gums.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Vomiting/Diarrhoea.
• Lethargy.
• Loss of consciousness/Drowsy.
• Collapse.

If you suspect your dog is having heatstroke, do these immediately:

• Remove your dog from the hot environment.
• If your dog is stable to drink water, give a lot of cool water. Don’t force the water into the mouth.
• Place a wet towel on the dogs back for cooling. Do not dip the dog inside water, it can result in cold shock.
• Do not give Paracetamol or Aspirin, It will lead to other complications. 
• Heat stroke is a medical emergency, contact and present your dog at the vet hospital ASAP.