A Dog's Recovery From Heat Stroke

When heatstroke strikes man's best friend, owners may notice because of the presentation of various worrisome clinical signs. Depending upon the severity of the heat illness and the timeliness in being treated, the prognosis and recovery may vary from one dog to another.

  1. Effects

    • Overheated dogs are often unable to cool down.

      Heat stroke takes place when a dog can no longer regulate its temperature and keep it within a safe range. Recovery from heat stroke in dogs requires a combination of home care and professional veterinary attention.

    Time Frame

    • Generally, dogs suffering from moderate heatstroke, with a body temperature ranging from 104 to 106 degrees, may recover within one hour if given prompt care and veterinary attention, according to Drs. Foster and Smith. Normal temperatures in dogs range between 100 and 102.5 degrees.

    Considerations

    • The higher the dog's temperature, the trickier the recovery.

      The higher the temperature, the more recovery becomes tricky, lasting even days. Dogs will need to be hospitalized and put on fluids and medications. In cases of temperatures higher than 107 degrees, aggressive treatments are required since organ damage can occur, according to Mike Richards, DVM.

    Effects

    • Never use cold water to soak your dog.

      Recovery in dogs may be hindered by well-meaning owners using cold water to completely soak their dog's coat. Doing so may cause the blood vessels to constrict, trapping the heat further inside. Cool rather than cold water is therefore the way to go, according to Frank Utchen, DVM.

    Signs

    • A good sign a dog is recovering from heat stroke is when its rectal temperature registers 103 degrees. Once this temperature is reached, cease all cooling efforts to prevent the opposite problem: hypothermia and shock, according to PetMd.

    Warning

    • Take your dog for a check-up to prevent serious delayed complications.

      Even if a dog appears to be on its way to recovery, you should still take the dog to a veterinarian. Heat stroke may cause serious delayed complications (even up to five days after recovery), such as blood clotting disorders, kidney and liver failure, or gastrointestinal damage, according to Andover Animal Hospital.