It’s a beautiful summer afternoon in Gordon’s Bay. The sun is shining, the family is outside, and your dog is having the time of their life chasing a ball around the garden. Everything seems perfectly normal until you notice that your dog is panting much more heavily than usual. They stop chasing the ball. They seem restless, perhaps a little unsteady, and their breathing isn’t settling down. Could they simply be tired? Or could this be heatstroke?
Heatstroke in dogs and cats is a potentially life-threatening emergency, and recognising the early warning signs can make an enormous difference.
Why Do Pets Overheat?
Unlike humans, dogs don’t cool themselves primarily through sweating.
Instead, they rely heavily on panting, which allows moisture to evaporate from the respiratory tract and helps remove heat from the body.
When environmental temperatures are high, humidity is excessive or a dog is exercising vigorously, this cooling system may become overwhelmed.
The animal’s body temperature can then rise dangerously.
Heatstroke isn’t simply feeling hot or uncomfortable. It occurs when excessive heat leads to serious physiological disturbances and potentially damages internal organs.
Which Pets Are Most at Risk?
Any dog can develop heatstroke, but certain animals are particularly vulnerable.
Brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs and Boston Terriers are at increased risk because their shortened upper airways can make efficient panting difficult.
Overweight dogs, elderly animals, very young pets and those with heart or respiratory conditions may also struggle to regulate their body temperature.
Highly energetic dogs can be at risk too.
A ball-obsessed Border Collie or Labrador may continue exercising long after they should have stopped.
And don’t forget our feline companions.
Cats generally avoid overheating by seeking cool areas and reducing activity, but they can still develop heatstroke if trapped in hot rooms, vehicles or poorly ventilated spaces.
What Are the Signs of Heatstroke?
Early signs may include excessive panting, restlessness, drooling and an inability to settle.
As the condition progresses, pets may develop vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, confusion or an unsteady gait.
Severe heatstroke can cause collapse, seizures and loss of consciousness.
Open-mouth breathing in a cat is particularly concerning and should prompt urgent veterinary attention, as it may indicate heatstroke or another serious respiratory problem.
Not every overheated pet will show every symptom, and waiting for collapse before seeking help can be disastrous.
Why Is Heatstroke So Dangerous?
As body temperature rises, the effects extend far beyond the skin and respiratory system.
Excessive heat can damage the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver and brain.
It can also interfere with normal blood clotting and circulation.
Some complications only become apparent hours after the animal has cooled down.
This is why a pet that appears to recover after being moved into an air-conditioned room may still require hospitalisation, monitoring and supportive treatment.
What Should You Do If Your Pet Develops Heatstroke?
First, remove your pet from the hot environment immediately.
Move them into shade or an air-conditioned area.
Begin cooling them using cool tap water, ideally combined with moving air from a fan or air conditioner.
For a conscious animal that can safely stand, cool water over the body can be very effective. Avoid getting water into the nose or mouth.
Don’t use ice baths or force a distressed animal to drink.
Avoid wrapping the animal in wet towels for prolonged periods, as these may trap heat.
Start cooling promptly and arrange urgent veterinary care. Phone ahead if possible so the veterinary team can prepare for your arrival.
Prevention Is Better Than an Emergency
Fortunately, most cases of heatstroke in dogs and cats are preventable.
During the hot summer months, exercise dogs early in the morning or later in the evening.
Avoid vigorous activity during the hottest part of the day, particularly for brachycephalic or overweight animals.
Always provide access to fresh drinking water and adequate shade.
Remember that tar, paving and beach sand can become extremely hot and may burn paw pads.
Never leave a pet in a parked car, even with the windows slightly open.
And perhaps most importantly, learn to recognise when your pet has had enough exercise.
Some dogs are simply too enthusiastic to make sensible decisions for themselves.
Enjoy Summer Safely
South African summers are wonderful, and there’s no reason our pets shouldn’t enjoy them with us.
But they rely on us to recognise the risks and make sensible choices.
If your dog is panting excessively, becoming weak or showing signs of distress in hot weather, take it seriously.
At Cottage Vet Clinic, we treat heatstroke as an emergency because early intervention can be lifesaving.
A little planning, sensible exercise and plenty of fresh water can help ensure summer remains a season of fun rather than an unexpected trip to the vet.
