26/05/2026
‼️ Delayed Onset Heatstroke in Dogs ‼️
Delayed‑onset heatstroke (also called post‑exercise hyperthermia) happens when a dog’s core temperature rises dangerously high after the activity or exposure has ended.
Instead of collapsing during the walk, trail, or training session, the dog appears fine then deteriorates 30 minutes to several hours later.
This happens because the dog’s internal heat load continues rising even after exercise stops. Muscles keep producing heat, the gut becomes inflamed, and the body’s cooling mechanisms are already overwhelmed.
Delayed heatstroke is driven by a combination of:
🐾 Residual heat load by which the dog generated more heat during exercise than they could dump.
🐾 Gut barrier damage, overheating increases gut permeability, allowing toxins into the bloodstream.
🐾 Inflammatory cascade, once triggered, the body continues heating internally even at rest.
🐾 Environmental factors including humidity, lack of airflow, warm surfaces, dark coat colours.
🐾 Breed and individual risk such as brachycephalics, seniors, unfit dogs, and black‑coated dogs
Be mindful if you do walk your dogs in this heat ‼️
www.kalee-caninewellbeing.co.uk
KALEE - Canine Wellbeing & Education
