Dogs can suffer heatstroke on cool days. Often the heatstroke can be brought on by the dog's willingness to do anything their master asks of them. It is up to the master to exercise judgment and call a halt to the game, the jog, the training practice, etc. before the dog becomes overheated.

Onset of heatstroke is rapid and the warnings are few: ragged, raspy breathing. Always carry water and make your dog take a break in a cool place. Always know where the nearest veterinary emergency facility is located.

A common misconception about heatstroke is that one simply douses the dog with cold water and all is well. In severe cases of heatstroke, the dog loses all ability to regulate temperature. Sudden soaking of the animal with cold water will cause the body temperature to drop and it will keep dropping, out of control, causing death. Instead, the body temperature must be brought down gradually as the rehydration is begun. Applying a cool, wet towel to the abdomen is safer than soaking the dog to the skin.

Dehydration from heatstroke presents its own dangers. Careful management is needed to hydrate the animal intravenously and to thin the blood in order to reduce the risk of stroke. Rehydration must be done intravenously because drinking water will only aggravate the dog's vomiting.

If you suspect that your dog has heatstroke, get him to a veterinarian immediately. Prevention is the best cure. Remember -- your dog has the judgment of a two year-old child. Don’t expect that he will call a halt to the game - that's your responsibility.


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