Heat Stroke in Dogs in Dubai: How to Keep Your Furry Friend Safe in Extreme Heat

What is Heat Stroke in Dogs?

Dogs don’t sweat like we do. Their primary way of cooling down is through panting and sweating through their paw pads. In a hot and humid environment like Dubai, this system can quickly become overwhelmed. In Dubai’s climate, even a short walk in midday sun or being left in a parked car can trigger heat stroke within minutes.

Heat stroke occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises above 40°C (104°F) and they can no longer cool themselves effectively. At 42°C and above, organ failure and death can occur rapidly. The good news is that heatstroke is almost entirely preventable, and with quick action, you can save your dog’s life.

Recognising the Signs of Overheating

Early Warning Signs:

• Excessive panting is the most common sign. Panting will be more intense and rapid than usual.
• Excessive drooling with thick, sticky saliva or foam
• Bright red or very pale gums
• Restlessness
• Seeking cool surfaces to lie on

Severe Heatstroke Symptoms (This is an emergency!):

• Vomiting and diarrhoea: May contain blood
• Difficulty breathing
• Weakness, lethargy, confusion, staggering, collapse or seizures
• Blue or purple gums and tongue

If you notice any severe symptoms, this is a veterinary emergency requiring immediate professional intervention. With 24-hour veterinary facilities at Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai, help is always available if you’re concerned about your dog’s health.

What to Do: An Emergency Action Plan

If you suspect your dog is experiencing heat stroke, every minute counts. Here’s what you should do while preparing to get to your veterinarian:

1. Remove Your Dog from the Heat
   Get them into a shaded area, a car with the air conditioning on full blast, or, ideally, an air-conditioned room indoors.
2.  Begin Cooling Immediately
   Do not delay in finding ice or a special cooling pad. Grab any available source of cool (not ice-cold) water. Gently pour or spray it over your dog’s body, focusing on their head, neck, chest, armpits, and groin area. You can also apply wet towels to these areas, but do not cover your dog with a wet towel. Place the dog on a wet towel instead.
3.  If your dog is conscious and able to drink, offer small amounts of cool water
   Never force water into their mouth, especially if they’re unconscious or vomiting.
4.  Encourage airflow
   Set up a fan, open windows, or turn on the air-conditioning to help evaporative cooling.
5.  Seek veterinary care at once
   As you are performing first aid, have someone call your nearest emergency veterinary clinic. Tell them you are on the way with a suspected heat stroke case. Continue cooling your dog on the way to the clinic. Don’t wait to see a vet – internal damage can occur even if your dog seems to recover.

Veterinary Treatment

At the clinic, we’ll:

• Monitor temperature, heart rate, and breathing
• Give intravenous fluids to aid cooling and protect organs
• Provide oxygen therapy if needed
• Treat seizures or shock
• Run blood and urine tests to check for organ damage

Risk Factors for Heat Stroke

• Being overweight
• Elderly dogs or puppies under six months
• Dogs with heart or respiratory conditions
• Dark-coloured dogs (dark coats absorb more heat)
• Breed:
  • Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds: French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, Chow Chows
  • Cold climate breeds: Newfoundland, Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, Samoyed

Preventing Heatstroke in Dubai: A Proactive Approach

Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are some simple, yet vital, habits to adopt:

• Restrict all walks and outdoor exercise to the cooler hours of the day. In the summer, this may mean early morning, before 7 AM, or late evening, after 8 PM.
• Check the ground temperature before taking your dog out. If you can’t hold the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
• Whether at home or outdoors, let your dog relax in shaded, well-ventilated areas with constant access to cool water.
• Never Leave Your Dog in a Car. Even with the windows down and the car in the shade, the temperature inside a car can skyrocket to dangerous levels within minutes.
• Utilise cooling mats, elevated beds, and pet-safe cooling vests to help regulate your dog’s temperature.
• For breeds with thick coats, regular grooming and de-shedding can help a dog stay cool. However, do not shave a double-coated breed, as their undercoat provides essential insulation from the heat.

Final Thoughts

Your dog depends on you to make smart decisions about their well-being. By following these guidelines and maintaining a close relationship with your local veterinary clinic, you’re giving your beloved companion the best chance at thriving in Dubai’s unique climate.

Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and when in doubt, always consult with your veterinary professional.

Worried about your dog’s symptoms? Book a checkup or emergency appointment today at Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai. Our experienced team provides accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and ongoing care tailored to your dog’s needs.