05/07/2025
What Do You Do Wednesday?: Heat Stroke Scare
This week, we're shifting gears from training tips to something potentially life-saving: heat stroke.
Yesterday, after reactive dog hands-on lessons, Ally did what she always does—she played Frisbee with her dog, Marvel. It was only about 70°F, and they’ve played like this after lessons for years. But suddenly, Marvel wasn’t okay.
She was wobbly, struggling to breathe, hot to the touch, and completely disoriented. Responding quickly, Ally hosed Marvel down from nose to tail with cold water. Marvel was soaked with the AC blasting the whole 45 minute ride to WVRC (Wisconsin Veterinary Referral Center). By the time they got to the ER Marvel started to recover, but the vet still ran bloodwork to be safe. It’s a good thing they did.
Marvel’s internal temperature got so high that it caused a dangerous side effect: her blood could no longer clot. She spent the night in the hospital but is expected to make a full recovery.
Here’s what you need to know:
🥵Heat stroke can happen even at mild temps.
♨️It can look like hard panting, wobbling, disorientation, drooling, or collapsing.
🧊 Use the coldest water available, AC, fans—anything to cool your dog down immediately. It is a myth that this would shock the system. Lowering body temperature is your #1 priority!
Get to an emergency vet ASAP. Even if they seem better, internal damage can be severe and silent. Marvel was hospitalized overnight and given supportive care. She is expected to make a full recovery and is now home resting comfortably.
Marvel’s story has a happy ending, but it was far too close.
As we head into summer, be heat smart. Know the signs. Act fast.
Would you have known what to do?
