Heatstroke
in Dogs

Table of Contents

By Paula Simons, DVM, DACVECC
Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian

Every summer in emergency rooms across the country, we see dogs come through our doors suffering from heat stroke—some mildly affected, others in life-threatening condition. As a critical care veterinarian, I’ve treated too many cases where quick action made the difference between life and death. But here's the reality: most heat stroke cases in dogs are entirely preventable.

One of the most powerful tools we now have to help prevent these tragedies is technology—specifically, the Waggle Pet Monitor , a compact, smart device designed to alert pet owners when their environment becomes dangerously hot or humid. But before we talk about Waggle, let's dive into why this matters so much.

Understanding Heat Stroke in Dogs

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke (non-pyrogenic hyperthermia) occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises above 105°F and they are unable to cool down efficiently. Unlike humans, dogs don't sweat. Their primary cooling methods—panting and vasodilation—are limited and ineffective in hot, humid, or poorly ventilated environments. Cars or RVs are a prime example of dangerous environments that can become hot and humid quickly.

Who’s at risk?

  • Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs)
  • Geriatric or very young dogs
  • Overweight or obese pets
  • Dogs with laryngeal paralysis or cardiac/respiratory disease
  • Dogs left in hot environments like cars, RVs, or non-air-conditioned homes

Clinical signs of heat stroke include:

  • Excessive panting
  • Drooling
  • Vomiting/diarrhea (can progress to bloody)
  • Collapse or weakness
  • Altered mentation (stupor, seizures, coma)
  • Bright red or pale gums
  • Rapid heart rate and respiratory rate
  • High rectal temperature (>105°F)

Heat stroke is a true medical emergency. Delays in cooling or treatment can result in:

  • Bleeding and clotting abnormalities
  • Acute kidney injury
  • Liver failure
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Sepsis
  • Brain damage
  • Death

What to Do if You Suspect Heat Stroke

If your dog shows signs of heat stroke, this is an emergency. Here's what to do immediately:

  1. Move the Dog to a Cool Area
    • Get your pet out of the heat and into a shaded or air-conditioned space.
  2. Begin Active Cooling Immediately
    • Use cool (not ice-cold) water to wet your dog’s body. Focus on the neck, belly, and paw pads.
    • Fans can enhance evaporative cooling.
    • Avoid ice baths—extreme cold can constrict blood vessels and worsen overheating.
    • Wipe the dog’s body with towels doused in cool water. Do not lay towels on the body as this can trap heat.
  3. Offer Cool (Not Cold) Water
    • Let your dog drink small amounts if they’re conscious and alert—do not force water.
    • Remove water if your pet starts vomiting.
  4. Use a Rectal Thermometer if Available
    • Stop active cooling once the temperature reaches 103°F (39.4°C) to avoid hypothermia.
  5. Transport to a Veterinarian Immediately
    • Even if your dog seems better, veterinary evaluation is essential. Internal damage may not be visible, but can progress rapidly.

In my practice, I’ve seen dogs arrive alert after home cooling, only to develop life-threatening complications hours later—kidney failure, DIC, or brain swelling. Timely supportive care can be life-saving so begin active cooling but transport your pet to a veterinarian ASAP.

Enter: The Waggle Pet Monitor

The Waggle Pet Monitor is a smart, wireless device designed specifically for pet owners to keep tabs on their pet’s environment—whether at home, in an RV, or in a vehicle.

Key features that make Waggle invaluable:

Real-Time Temperature & Humidity Monitoring

Get live updates of your pet’s environment. You can set your own safe temperature thresholds.

Instant Alerts via Text, Email, and App

If the temperature or humidity exceeds your preset limits, you’re notified immediately.

Cellular-Based (No Wi-Fi Needed)

This is crucial—unlike many smart devices that rely on Wi-Fi, Waggle uses Verizon’s cellular network. That means it keeps working even when you’re off the grid.

GPS Tracking & Power Loss Notifications

If power fails or your RV/car moves, you’ll know.

Peace of Mind, Anytime

Whether you’re running errands, out hiking, or simply stepping away from your RV, Waggle lets you know your dog is safe.

Why Veterinarians Recommend It

As an emergency vet, I can’t stress this enough: environmental monitoring is one of the best proactive steps pet owners can take to prevent heat stroke. Waggle allows owners to act before things spiral out of control.

This is particularly important for:

  • RV travelers: Heat buildup can be rapid and fatal.
  • Pet owners who crate indoors without A/C backup.
  • Owners of brachycephalic or high-risk breeds.

Technology like Waggle doesn’t replace vigilance—it enhances it. It empowers responsible pet owners to detect environmental threats before they become emergencies.

Final Thoughts

Heat stroke is fast, unforgiving, and preventable. By combining education and tools like the Waggle Pet Monitor, we can keep our beloved companions safer than ever.

If you travel with your dog, leave them home alone, or ever worry about sudden A/C failure, consider this your nudge: invest in a system that has your pet’s back when you can’t be there in person.

Because when it comes to heat stroke, seconds matter—and prevention is everything.

FAQ

1. How do you treat heat stroke at home?

Move your dog to a cool area, wet them with cool water, use a fan, offer small sips of water, and get to a vet immediately.

2. What’s the difference between sunstroke and heat stroke?

Sunstroke is heat stroke caused specifically by direct sun exposure; both are medical emergencies with similar symptoms.

3. What should I do immediately after a heat stroke?

Start cooling your dog, monitor their temperature, and transport them to a veterinarian as fast as possible—even if they seem better.

4. How do vets treat heat stroke for dogs?

Vets use IV fluids, oxygen, bloodwork monitoring, and medications to manage organ damage, stabilize temperature, and prevent complications.

5. How long does overheat last in dogs?

Mild overheating may resolve in hours, but heat stroke effects can last days and may cause long-term damage without urgent care.