Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare and Heat Exhaustion First Aid

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke require immediate first aid before veterinary care. Understanding correct first aid saves dog lives and reduces severity of welfare harm.

Key Facts

Heat stroke is a veterinary emergency with high mortality without treatment
Move the dog to shade and apply cool (not cold) water to the body
Fan the dog while applying water to maximise evaporative cooling
Do not use ice or very cold water which can cause peripheral vasoconstriction
Transport immediately to a vet while continuing cooling

Welfare Considerations

Correct heat stroke first aid significantly improves survival odds and reduces severity of organ damage. Every minute of delay worsens welfare outcomes - immediate cooling and transport is life-saving.

What You Can Do

Move your dog immediately to shade at the first sign of heat stroke
Apply cool water to the body and fan vigorously
Call ahead to your vet while driving so they can prepare
Transport immediately to veterinary care while continuing cooling