28/05/2026
Heatstroke. Why do we care so much?
Did you know it carries a 23-50% mortality, with most dying in the first 24 hours?
This happens because heatstroke causes blood clotting disorders, leading to widespread, often fatal, internal bleeding. It also causes rapid and severe kidney failure. These are the main causes of death in heatstroke.
The inflammatory changes in heatstroke also cause death of cells in the lungs, heart, and brain. It's really quite hard to live without these things,
And the symptoms pets experience while these organs are dying is harrowing to watch.
It also causes damage to the stomach and intestine lining, and can cause really awful gastrointestinal illness.
Remember, if you think your pet has heatstroke, the first aid you must provide is rapid cooling. GET THEM WET, THEN TO THE VET.
But better yet, keep them out of the heat and prevent it from happening altogether.
Risk factors include large dogs, dark coat colours, obesity, old or young, brachycephalic, and heart and/or renal disease.
If your pet is on diuretics (or 'water pills') they will be at increased risk of dehydration too.
