Dog Summer Heatstroke Emergency Guide

Written By Bernard Lim

⚠️ Why It’s So Urgent?

Dogs can go from mild heat stress to life-threatening heatstroke in under 10 minutes! Organ failure begins at 41°C body temperature - never delay treatment!

How to Assess Severity?

  •  Mild: Heavy panting, drooling, restlessness

  •  Moderate: Purple gums, stumbling, vomiting

  •  Severe: Collapse, seizures, unconsciousness

Step-by-Step Response

✅ For Stable Cases (Mild Symptoms)

  1. Move to shade immediately

  2. Cool with room-temperature water (NOT ice water!) on belly/paws

Emergency Protocol (Moderate/Severe)

  1. Call 999 / local emergency number FIRST

  2. While waiting:

    • Remove collar

    • Use a fan for airflow and cooling

    • Cool with room-temperature water (NOT ice water!) on belly/paws

    • Note symptom onset time

  3. NEVER give water/meds unsupervised!

Breaking Car Windows?

If the dog is unconscious in the vehicle:

  1. Have bystanders record video evidence

  2. Tell police: “This is an Animal Welfare emergency”

  3. Target smallest break point (e.g. door lock)

Aftercare Essentials

Even if recovered, vet visit within 24 hours is mandatory! Heatstroke can cause:

  • Brain damage

  • Kidney failure

  • Blood clotting disorders

Prevention Tips

☑️ Avoid walks during 11:00-15:00 peak heat

☑️ Carry pet electrolyte powder

☑️ Pavement test: If too hot for your hand (5-sec test), it burns paws!

Bernard Lim
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