Understanding Heatstroke in Dogs: A Guide for Pet Owners in Hong Kong

Understanding Heatstroke in Dogs: A Guide for Pet Owners in Hong Kong

It’s only the start of the hot weather, and this week we’ve already seen two cases of heatstroke at Sai Kung Animal Hospital. Fortunately, both patients survived due to rapid recognition and quick intervention by our staff.

As temperatures rise, it’s crucial for pet owners in Hong Kong to be aware of the risks of heatstroke in dogs. Unlike humans, pets cannot cool themselves effectively, making them particularly susceptible to overheating. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Do Pets Get Heatstroke?

  • Dogs and cats cannot regulate their body temperature by sweating like humans do.
  • They rely on panting and other mechanisms to cool down.
  • In warm weather or if they are overexerted, pets can quickly reach dangerous body temperatures, leading to heatstroke—a potentially fatal condition.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Certain animals are more susceptible to heatstroke, including:

  • Flat-faced breeds (e.g., Pugs, French Bulldogs)
  • Pets with thick coats
  • Elderly or overweight animals
  • Pets with pre-existing health conditions, such as those affecting the airway, heart, or adrenal glands.

Note: You may not know your pet has an underlying health condition until an episode of heatstroke occurs.

Common Causes of Heatstroke

Heatstroke can occur even on mild days. Contributing factors include:

  • Stress: Pets who are anxious and not used to travel or new places
  • Excessive exercise in warm weather
  • Poor ventilation in warm or humid environments

Note: In Sai Kung, many visiting dogs experience heatstroke after a day by the seaside, where stress, travel, and heat combine to create a perfect storm for overheating.

Early Signs of Heatstroke

Recognizing the signs early can save your pet’s life. Symptoms include:

  • Panting that progresses to distressed breathing (a loud, hacking pant)
  • Restlessness or agitation
  • Drooling
  • Red gums or tongue
  • Increased heart rate
  • Vomiting or diarrhoea

Advanced Symptoms

As heatstroke worsens, symptoms can escalate to:

  • Lethargy
  • Confusion
  • Weakness or collapse
  • Seizures

First Aid for Heatstroke

If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, act quickly. Remember: “Cool first, transport second.”

  • Move your pet to a cool, well-ventilated area.
  • Offer small sips of water (do not force them to drink).
  • Cool them down:
    • For young, healthy dogs: Consider cold water immersion.
    • For older dogs or those with health issues: Use the evaporation method—pour water over them and create airflow with a fan.
    • Avoid ice-cold water, which can constrict blood vessels and worsen the situation.

Note: In my experience, a cold shower with a handheld hose or water flowing over the neck and groin areas works best. Always keep your pet’s head out of the water. Along with oxygen support and intravenous medication, water immersion is what we do when an animal arrives at the clinic in heat distress. Do this at home while you call us for further advice! If you’re out and about, pouring water from a bottle over your pet can help.

Early Signs of Heatstroke

Recognizing the signs early can save your pet’s life. Symptoms include:

  • Panting that progresses to distressed breathing (a loud, hacking pant)
  • Restlessness or agitation
  • Drooling
  • Red gums or tongue
  • Increased heart rate
  • Vomiting or diarrhoea

Advanced Symptoms

As heatstroke worsens, symptoms can escalate to:

  • Lethargy
  • Confusion
  • Weakness or collapse
  • Seizures

First Aid for Heatstroke

If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, act quickly. Remember: “Cool first, transport second.”

Move your pet to a cool, well-ventilated area.

  • Offer small sips of water (do not force them to drink).
  • Cool them down:
    • For young, healthy dogs: Consider cold water immersion.
    • For older dogs or those with health issues: Use the evaporation method—pour water over them and create airflow with a fan.
    • Avoid ice-cold water, which can constrict blood vessels and worsen the situation.

Note: In my experience, a cold shower with a handheld hose or water flowing over the neck and groin areas works best. Always keep your pet’s head out of the water. Along with oxygen support and intravenous medication, water immersion is what we do when an animal arrives at the clinic in heat distress. Do this at home while you call us for further advice! If you’re out and about, pouring water from a bottle over your pet can help.

Prevention Tips

To protect your pet from heatstroke:

  • Keep your pet within a healthy weight range.
  • Provide access to shaded areas indoors and outdoors.\
  • Limit exercise during the hottest times of the day—walk early in the morning or later in the evening.
  • Limit ball chasing, as dogs will keep doing this indefinitely.
  • Carry water on walks to keep them hydrated and use it to cool your pet if needed.
  • Check pavement temperatures—if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.
  • Never leave pets in cars or hot rooms.
  • Keep drinking water available, adding ice to help keep it cool.
  • Groom your pet regularly if recommended for their breed.
  • Screen your pet for underlying health conditions.

Note: At least 75% of the patients we see with heatstroke are overweight and have undiagnosed conditions such as airway disease, heart disease, or Cushing’s disease. Many of these pets are not regularly taken for a “day out” or are experiencing their first day out in the hot weather since the previous year.

I hope you find this information helpful. Sadly, we see too much heatstroke in Sai Kung, and I suspect there are many more cases where pets have tragically died at home after running around in the garden.

Stay vigilant and keep your furry friends safe!

Dr Genevieve Touzel BVSc MRCVS CertVetAc(IVAS)

 

Like this article?

Share on Facebook
Share on WhatsApp

About the Author

Dr Genevieve Touzel

BVSc MRCVS CertVetAc(IVAS)

Chief Veterinary Surgeon

At seven years of age, I was overjoyed when my parents introduced a mongrel pup, Marcel-Louis. He became my best friend. Realising how much I wanted to care for him and every other needy animal I could find, I decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. There was never any other alternative. I was thrilled to be offered a place at The University of Melbourne Veterinary School. I graduated in 1999 and I embarked on an adventurous journey of all things veterinary. Since then, I have worked as a veterinarian in the United Kingdom and Australia and in Hong Kong since 2016.

I have gained experience in mixed practice and small animal practice, dental, greyhound and equine practice. My work has also included working in emergency and critical care hospitals and charity clinics including the position of Head Veterinary Surgeon at an SPCA branch practice in Hong Kong. I have completed post graduate studies in Emergency and Critical Care. My passion for improving the quality of life in senior pets and practicing holistic medicine inspired me to pursue and acquire a board certification in Veterinary Acupuncture. Since 2021 I have been the Chief Veterinary Surgeon of SKAH and am now very proud to be certified as a Fear-Free Professional.

I live in Sai Kung with my family including Harry, a feisty toe-biting and rat-hunting ginger cat and Flo, a gentle, devoted Hong Kong Mongrel. Outside of work, I love to run the trails with Flo, explore Hong Kong with my family and travel to international conferences to keep up to date with the latest advances in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.

It is a privilege to be trusted with the care of someone’s beloved animal. After many years, I still love the way medicine evolves. Seeing the difference that preventative health care and treatment makes to the longevity and well-being of my patients is wonderful. It is a team effort. Working with families is also paramount in making a successful care plan. Every animal (and their humans!) are unique.

en_USEnglish