Heat wave in the U.S. 2025: how to recognize dog heatstroke and what to do if it happens
It’s not only important you keep yourself cool and hydrated this summer; you need to keep a close eye on your dog, too.
Large parts of the United States were hit by a brutal heat wave late last month, bringing record daily temperatures across the country.
And the U.S.’s National Weather Service (NWS) is warning that sweltering conditions will be a feature of the summer.
Above-normal temperatures across U.S.
The NWS’s ‘seasonal temperature outlook’, which offers a three-month forecast for the U.S., predicts that July, August and September will bring above-normal temperatures nationwide.
According to the agency, particularly affected areas will include states such as Idaho, Nevada and Utah in the west; Florida in the south; and New York and the New England states in the east.
While it’s important that people follow experts’ advice on how to stay cool and hydrated, it’s also of paramount significance that we protect our pets from the heat.
Indeed, veterinarians are warning dog owners to be vigilant for signs of heatstroke in their animal.
What happens when a dog has heatstroke?
“Dog heatstroke can occur very quickly and result in death in under an hour, especially if the pet does not have access to shade, water, and rest,” says Dr. Veronica Higgs, a vet who provides pet-health advice on the specialist website PetMD.
Dogs are especially vulnerable to heatstroke, a condition that occurs when the body overheats.
“Dogs are more susceptible to the effects of heat-related illnesses than humans because they are not able to cool themselves by sweating,” Dr. Higgs says.
If heatstroke sets in - particularly when the dog’s body temperature passes 104º F - it affects a number of organs and bodily functions. Most notably, it compromises the animal’s heart, lungs, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver and coagulation abilities.
What signs should dog owners look out for?
Dr. Higgs says dog owners should be on the look-out for the following tell-tale signs that heatstroke is taking hold:
- Excessive panting
- Reddened gums
- Fast heart rate
- Vomiting/diarrhea
- Fatigue/weakness
- Muscle spasms/cramps
- Disorientation/stumbling
“Call your vet immediately”
Dr. Higgs says dogs are particularly likely to suffer from heatstroke when left in a car or engaging in exercise on a hot day. She urges owners to focus outdoor activities on the early morning or late evening, and to make sure their dog gets plenty of shade and water.
“If you suspect your dog may be experiencing heatstroke, call your veterinarian or local emergency veterinary hospital immediately‚” Dr. Higgs cautions.
You should also take steps to try to reduce your dog’s temperature in advance of professional treatment. “Cooling your pet prior to arrival at the hospital has been shown to increase their chances of survival from 50% to 80%,” Dr. Higgs says.
You can do this by making sure it is out of the sun and, if possible, within range of a fan. You can also use room-temperature water to wet your dog, and place damp towels on its back. Do not use ice to cool your dog down; this can cause the animal to go into shock.
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