Dog Summer Heatstroke Emergency Guide

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)

1. Move to shade immediately

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

3. Offer water immediately

Emergency Protocol (Moderate/Severe)

1. Call for help and transport to the nearest vet clinic immediately

2. While waiting:

   • Remove neck 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 meds unsupervised!

Breaking Car Windows?

If you happened to see a dog unconscious in the vehicle:

1. Record video as evidence

2. Call 999 and get permission to break car windows

Aftercare Essentials

Even if recovered, a 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

☑️ Offer water to your pet all the time

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