What to do if your dog has heatstroke? What to do if your dog has heatstroke?

Nov 08,2023
3Min

Away from heat sources

If possible, move your dog indoors to an area with air conditioning or a fan. If not, move the dog outdoors to a cool, well-ventilated area. At this time, the dog's activities need to be restricted and the dog is not allowed to run around until the danger of heatstroke has passed.

Provide drinking cold water

Cold water is not ice water. If the dog is not interested in water, use professional oral rehydration salts for dogs and cats, or low-fat, low-salt beef or chicken soup as a temporary replacement. If the dog cannot drink water on its own, do not force the dog to drink. You can prepare ice cubes for it to lick.

Cold water cooling

If possible, drench the dog with cold running water. If you are using a water pipe directly, make sure the water pressure is low. Do not submerge your dog completely underwater as it will lose temperature quickly, which can lead to other complications. Make sure the water is not too cold, as very cold water constricts blood vessels and prevents cooling.


Apply rubbing alcohol

Dogs can release heat through their foot pads, so rubbing alcohol on your dog's foot pads can help dissipate some of the heat. Make sure the floor mats are bare and exposed to cool air. Don't use too much alcohol, as absorbing too much can be harmful.

Use a wet towel or ice pack

Place a wet towel on your dog’s paw pads. You can also use a wet towel on your dog's body to cool it down. You can also use an ice pack or a towel wrapped in a frozen item and place it on the dog's skin, on the front and rear limbs and neck, where there are many blood vessels. Cooling the blood with an ice pack will help cool your dog's internal organs. Do not cover or restrain the dog. You can wipe the dog's body with a damp and cold towel, but do not put the towel on it because it will prevent the heat from dissipating. Likewise, don't put your dog in a closed crate or crate.
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