My dog had heatstroke signs on hot day, now fine. Vet visit needed?

Hi, heat stroke is a very serious condition that requires a vet's intervention. he needs fluids to help cool him. If you are unable to find a vet to take him to, you can cool him down by using cool water. Get a thermometer and take his temperature by inserting it into his rectum about one inch. The normal temperature is 99.5-102.5. You don't want to cool him down too quickly or he can go into shock so it is important not to use ice or cold water. IF his temperature is still elevated, you can soak towels in cool water and drape them over him. If he can swallow, spoon or syringe cool water into his mouth. Keep him comfortable and cool and stop cooling measure when his temperature reaches 101, so you don't make him too cold. It is important to take him to a vet as soon as possible because heat stroke can have long lasting effects that can be deadly. He will need fluids and antibiotics to help his GI system recover from shock. Vets should be open first thing in the morning. Good luck!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Symptoms of heat stroke are usually apparent within a few hours from exposure to high ambient temperature. The most common symptoms are lethargy, weakness, panting and vomiting. Development heat stress symptoms 6-8hrs after a walk is rather unlikely but definitely possible. Ideally you should to take Maisie's temperature (human thermometer is fine, but it has to be measured in the rectum) and if it is above 104F, it will be heat stress. In that case you should cool her down and take her to your local vets.

IF he isn't lethargic it's already a very good sign, the fluids have probably done a good job to start his recovery. heat stroke symptoms do not disappear right away, it will take 2-3 days for him to return to normal. i'm sure that if the vet was worried he would have kept him for a longer hospitalization.

Heat stroke in dogs is characterized by drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, ataxia (wobbly gait) or even collapse. Any combination of these symptoms should be addressed immediately by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER. That said, some dogs do not do well in the heat. These dogs should be kept indoors and have a supply of fresh water available. Exercise or activity outdoors should be limited to just leash walks for elimination.

Yes, I would be worried Blitz hasn't been himself. Heat stroke is a deadly disease in dogs that occurs when they become overheated, and that can lead to the rapid panting and vomiting. The scary part of heat stroke is that there is a lot of internal damage done to the organs from heat stroke, such as death of liver cells, rapid heartbeat, acute kidney failure, irregular heartbeat, and blood clotting disorders among many others. I think given that he was panting rapidly and vomiting yesterday and now is acting out of character that a vet visit would be best. Just to check him over to make sure he is ok. Please take him into an ER vet: if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. I hope this helps!

Hello there, I'm sorry to hear that this happened today with Bella. You did the exact right things to do with an overheated pet. In the future, I'd avoid taking her in enclosed environments in the warm weather, or bring ice water to help with cooling if its absolutely necessary. Pets in heat stroke may experience weakness, vomiting, collapse, and unconsciousness. It doesn't sound like Bella experienced a true heat stroke and is in need of medical care since she is acting totally normal tonight. If she does experience any change in behavior, lethargy, or disinterest in food, I'd recommend having her seen by her veterinarian. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

If you have a thermometer you can take her temperature to check if she is overheated. You can lubricate the thermometer with vaseline/ky jelly/ or similar lubricant and insert about an inch into the rectum. If her temperature is over 102.5 then it is high. If she is acting lethargic and not eating or drinking well then these symptoms are concerning and should be investigated by a vet. There are many possibilities for these symptoms because they are so general. The vet may be able to narrow down causes with an exam, or they may need to do bloodwork on your dog for a better idea of the cause. If her temperature is high then she could have a fever or if it is very warm in your house could be suffering from heat stroke. You have done the right thing bathing her in cool water and providing a fan but she still needs to see a vet because there can be long term consequences such as severe GI irritation and infection if a dog has suffered heat stroke.