Heatstroke: How to Recognize and Respond

Heatstroke can kill a pet in minutes. Dogs cannot sweat — they only cool through panting, which becomes ineffective in extreme heat. **High-risk situations:** - Left in a parked car (even 10 minutes, even with windows cracked) - Left outside without shade or water on hot days - Exercising hard in hot, humid weather - Brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, French bulldogs) — ANY warm day is a risk **Signs of heatstroke:** - Excessive, labored panting - Bright red or purple gums - Drooling heavily - Vomiting or diarrhea - Staggering, confusion - Collapse or loss of consciousness **Respond immediately — 5 steps:** 1. Move to shade or air conditioning NOW 2. Apply cool (not ice cold) water to paws, armpits, groin, and neck 3. Place cool wet towels on the body — replace them as they warm up 4. Offer small amounts of cool water if conscious 5. Get to an emergency vet immediately — even if they seem to recover **Do NOT:** - Use ice or ice water — causes blood vessels to constrict, trapping heat inside - Force them to drink if unconscious - Leave them alone while transporting A pet that has had heatstroke needs vet evaluation even if they appear to recover — internal organ damage may not be visible.