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By Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Certified pet nutritionist in Singapore
QUICK ANSWER
Heatstroke is an emergency, and in Singapore's heat and humidity it can happen fast. If your dog is overheating, stop, get them into shade or air-conditioning, and start cooling them straight away with any water that's cooler than they are. Pour it over the whole body and add a fan or breeze. Cool first, then get to the vet.
Why dogs overheat so easily
Dogs only sweat a little, through their paw pads. They cool down mainly by panting, and in humid weather like ours, panting works much less well. That's why a run that's fine in the morning can be dangerous in the afternoon.
Flat-faced breeds like French bulldogs, pugs, bulldogs and shih tzus are at the highest risk. Their short airways make panting much less efficient.
Who's most at risk
✓ Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds
✓ Puppies and senior dogs
✓ Overweight dogs
✓ Dogs with heart, breathing or other long-term health problems
✓ Thick or double-coated breeds
✓ Dogs that are overexercised, or left in a hot place for too long
Know the numbers
Normal
38.1–39.2°C. This is a healthy resting temperature for a dog.
Heatstroke
From about 40.6°C, heatstroke begins.
Danger
From about 41.1°C, the kidneys, liver, gut, heart and brain can be permanently damaged. Without treatment, a dog can have a seizure or fall into a coma.
Signs of heatstroke
✓ Heavy, frantic panting
✓ Drooling more than usual
✓ Dark red, pale or dry gums
✓ A fast or irregular heartbeat
✓ Weakness, wobbliness or confusion
✓ Vomiting or diarrhoea, sometimes with blood
✓ Collapse or seizures
What to do: cool first, then go to the vet
Based on current advice from the UK's Royal Veterinary College (RVC):
Stop and get out of the heat. Move your dog into shade or, ideally, an air-conditioned room. Keep them calm and still.
Start cooling straight away with any water that's cooler than your dog. Speed matters more than the exact water temperature.
For young, healthy dogs, the RVC recommends cold water immersion. Stay with your dog and keep their head above water.
For older dogs or dogs with health problems, pour cool water over the whole body, not just the paws and belly, and add airflow from a fan, a breeze or the air-con.
Offer small sips of water, but don't force your dog to drink.
Get to the vet as soon as possible, even if your dog seems to recover. Heatstroke can damage the organs in ways you can't see. Call ahead, and keep cooling on the way if you can.
Some old advice is now outdated. You may have read that you should only use lukewarm water, never cold, or that you should cover your dog with wet towels.
According to the RVC, cooling slowly with tepid water is outdated advice, and wet towels are much less effective than pouring water over your dog or immersing them. Don't rely on wet towels. Use water and airflow, and act fast.
FROM MY EXPERIENCE
I never take BeanBean out on hot afternoons, and it was the same with Wangcai. Whenever they start panting too much, we look for air-con, or at least cool shelter, straight away.
We always carry water and cotton tissue with us. If anything happens, we wet the tissue and use it to cool down the whole body.
The times they did overheat weren't on hot days. It was at the dog park, from running too much. So watch your dog during play, too, not just on hot days.
How to prevent heatstroke
✓ Never take your dog out on a hot afternoon. Walk early in the morning or in the evening, when it's cooler.
✓ Check the ground. Hold the back of your hand, or step barefoot, on the pavement for a few seconds. If it's hot for you, it's too hot for paws. Read more in rough and cracked dog paws.
✓ Never leave your dog in a car, even in the shade with the windows down. Cars heat up in minutes.
✓ Take breaks during play, especially at the dog park. Excited dogs often don't stop on their own.
✓ Always carry water, and know where to find shade or air-con nearby.
✓ Watch for heavy panting. It's your cue to stop and cool down before things get worse.
Easy ways to keep your dog cool
Cooling mats and vests
A cooling mat at home, or a cooling vest on walks, gives your dog somewhere cool to rest.
Frozen bandana
Soak a bandana in water and freeze it, then tie it on for walks.
Frozen treats
Freeze bone broth or fruit in silicone moulds. Try these frozen treats to keep dogs cool, or a little watermelon.
Paddling pool
A small paddling pool in the shade is great for water-loving dogs. Shy dogs may need toys to coax them in.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs get heatstroke indoors?
Yes. A hot room with no airflow or air-conditioning can be enough, especially for flat-faced breeds, seniors and overweight dogs.
How do I know if my dog is just hot or overheating?
Normal panting slows down once your dog rests in a cool place. If the panting stays heavy or frantic, or you see drooling, red or pale gums, wobbliness or vomiting, start cooling and call your vet.
Should I shave my double-coated dog to keep them cool?
It's usually best not to. A double coat helps protect the skin from the sun and heat. Regular brushing to remove the loose undercoat helps more.
This article is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary care. If you're concerned about your pet's health, please seek professional advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Judyvein is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and Certified Raw Nutrition Coach for Cats & Dogs, and the founder of JOOF Holistic Pet. Her journey began with her Frenchie, Wangcai, and today she helps pet parents in Singapore take a root-cause approach to their pets' health.
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