He has a long history of service to both the American and California Veterinary Medical Associations including as a member of the Animal Welfare, and Human Animal Companion Bond Committees. Army Veterinary Corps, and has practiced veterinary medicine in California since 1971. Hamil, DVM, is a veterinary practitioner, author and award-winning breeder of Bloodhounds. Immediately take your dog to your veterinarian as soon as the temperature reaches 103F or if you are unable to reduce the temperature significantly. Do not reduce the temperature below 103F, as the temperature may descend to critical levels. After a few minutes retake the temperature and repeat this procedure until the temperature is reduced to 103F. If the temperature is higher than 105F, using cool, not cold, water sponge or hose your dog’s entire body, paying particular attention to the underside. If the temperature is less than 105F, you should still consider this an emergency and immediately take your dog to your veterinarian. If you have access to a rectal thermometer, you should take your dog’s temperature. If the symptoms do not improve quickly and you are unable to take your dog’s temperature take your dog to your veterinarian immediately. If you suspect heat stroke, stop all activity and walk or carry your dog to a cool, shaded area with good air circulation. Whether indoors or outside, dogs can best acclimate to high temperatures if provided good air circulation, shade and access to fresh water. Heat stroke is best prevented by avoiding the previously listed risk factors and closely observing your dog. If you are hot so is your dog. Remember our dogs will always try to please us. Consequently, watch closely and do not ask your dog to exercise or play hard on hot humid days. Quiet or poorly responsive, may lay down and refuse or be unable to rise.

Signs of heat stroke are very similar to the signs seen in humans, although dogs pant more in an effort to cool themselves.

Confinement in a car or other area without adequate ventilation.

Elevated environmental temperature and humidity.

Heat stroke can be seen in all breeds of all ages, but may be more likely in long haired and brachycephalic (short nosed) breeds as well as younger and older individuals.

Body temperatures above 105F are suggestive of heat stroke.

Heat Stroke (heat exhaustion) is a form of hyperthermia that occurs when heat-dissipating mechanisms of the body cannot accommodate excessive heat. Hyperthermia (fever) is an elevation in body temperature above normal range for the species affected (dogs normal is 101.5F).

After effects of a stroke in a dog