Heatstroke occurs when the internal body temperature rises above 41 degrees Celsius, which can cause life-threatening physical damage. Sunstroke, on the other hand, refers to heat accumulation in the area of the meninges caused by intense sunlight on the animal's head, which can also lead to the death of the patient in severe cases. The body temperature does not necessarily have to be elevated in sunstroke.
Unlike humans, dogs are very sensitive to heat. Even at outdoor temperatures of just over 20 degrees Celsius, dogs become less active and seek shade and cool tiles to cool down. The reason for this is that dogs cannot regulate their body temperature by sweating, as they only have a few sweat glands on their paws and nose. Most of a dog's heat regulation takes place through panting. Rapid inhalation and exhalation causes evaporative cooling on the mucous membranes, which in turn cools the blood in the vessels leading to the brain.
A distinction is made between classic heatstroke, which is exclusively caused by high outside temperatures, and exercise-induced heatstroke, which develops as a result of strenuous physical activity, usually in combination with a warm ambient temperature.
At high ambient temperatures, dogs are unable to release excess heat sufficiently, causing their body temperature to rise dangerously. The normal internal body temperature of a dog is between 37.5 and 39 degrees Celsius. At a body temperature of over 41 degrees, the massive heating of the organism can lead to shock, which in the worst case can result in multiple organ failure and death of the animal.
The trigger for sunstroke, on the other hand, is not the ambient temperature, which can even be quite low, but excessive direct sunlight on the animal's head, which leads to heat accumulation in the brain and irritation of the meninges.
The first signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, a protruding, reddened tongue, glassy eyes, exhaustion, an elevated pulse, and general restlessness. If heat regulation is inadequate, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, unsteadiness, rapid heartbeat, cramps, severely reddened mucous membranes, weakness, and finally unconsciousness, collapse, and coma may occur. If the dog does not receive immediate veterinary treatment, shock with multiple organ failure will occur, resulting in death.
Sunstroke in dogs can manifest itself through panting, a high pulse, head and neck pain, dizziness, loss of balance, an unsteady gait, cramps and even unconsciousness. The body temperature is usually not elevated.
The attending veterinarian can usually make a diagnosis based on the preliminary report and a general clinical examination. During the examination, they will measure the heart and respiratory rates and the internal body temperature. The condition of the mucous membranes in the eyes and mouth provides important information about the patient's circulatory status. The veterinarian will also check whether and to what extent the dog is suffering from fluid loss, i.e., dehydration. In the vast majority of cases, the findings are very clear indications of heatstroke.
If you notice symptoms of sunstroke or general overheating in your dog, you must take immediate first aid measures – before taking them to a nearby vet’s surgery.
Always move your dog to a cool environment straight away. Cool them down further with cold water. If your dog is young and healthy, it’s best to immerse them in cold water. If they are older or have underlying health conditions, spray them with water and fan them. You can also place water-soaked towels on them, changing and re-wetting them frequently. You should be particularly careful with drastic cooling measures in dogs with circulatory problems. A dog that has overheated in a car, even if it is healthy and young, will always have a compromised circulatory system.
Even if your dog appears to be feeling better after these measures, take them to a vet immediately. You do not know what further damage they may have sustained as a result of heatstroke. Comprehensive diagnosis and appropriate treatment are only possible at a veterinary practice. Whilst your dog continues to be cooled, their circulation and fluid balance will be regulated there via intravenous therapy and oxygen administration. Furthermore, acidosis and hypoglycaemia can be corrected with appropriate medication. In some cases, massages can help to stimulate blood circulation.
The chances of recovery depend greatly on the time of diagnosis, the extent of the disease, when cooling measures were first initiated, and the physical condition of the patient. Obese dogs and animals of brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, for example, have a significantly poorer prognosis than normal-weight dogs of non-brachycephalic breeds.
The main cause of heatstroke is still leaving dogs in closed cars when it's really hot outside. So, it's a problem we make ourselves, and we can totally avoid it by taking the right steps. Therefore, NEVER leave your dog alone in a closed car when the ambient temperature is 20 degrees Celsius or higher. Even with the windows partially open or a small bowl of water, it can quickly become life-threateningly hot for the animal in the car.
Also, make sure you don't push your dog too hard with physical activity as temperatures rise in spring and early summer, as their body needs time to adjust to the heat. Always bring plenty of water for your dog and avoid walking in direct sunlight or on hot tarmac. There are also special dog boots available to protect their paws from burns caused by hot tarmac. Your dog should also be able to retreat to a cool place at any time.
Special care should be taken with brachycephalic dog breeds, as their thermoregulation is already limited at normal temperatures due to their short noses.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace veterinary advice. Please contact your veterinary practice directly.
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