Heatstroke occurs when your dog becomes severely overheated. A dog's normal temperature ranges from 100.5 to 102.5 degrees. If your dog's temperature is over 104 degrees, your dog is generally considered to have heatstroke. Unlike humans, dogs do not perspire effectively, and are thus at greater risk for overheating and heatstroke. Short-nosed breeds such as Bulldogs and Pugs, and heavy-coated breeds such as Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies, are among the types of dogs most prone to developing heatstroke.

Your dog will have one or more of the following symptoms: severe panting, thick salivation, weakness, loss of balance, vomiting, bright red gums or tongue, shock and coma. Your dog will have a temperature of at least 104 degrees.

Common causes of heatstroke include leaving your dog in a parked car in warm weather (even with the windows open!), over-exerting your dog, and leaving him in direct sunlight without access to shade and fresh water.

Heatstroke can be diagnosed by taking your dog’s temperature. However, if your dog is brought to the vet with obvious signs of heatstroke, your vet will likely begin treatment before even pausing to take your dog’s temperature.

At the first sign of heatstroke, you should begin to help your dog by immediately removing him from the hot or sunny environment, fanning him, and providing fresh cool water for drinking and applying to your dog’s body. You should also call your vet immediately even if symptoms subside. Some dogs with heatstroke will need hospitalization to have their fluids replenished by an intravenous drip. In addition, severe heatstroke can cause damage to internal organs.

Always provide shade and cool and fresh drinking water for your dog. Never leave your dog in a parked car, even in the shade or with the windows open. If you crate your dog when traveling by car, use an open-wire crate that allows for ventilation, and keep the crate out of direct sunlight. Avoid over-activity with your dog in warmer conditions. Take extra precautions with older dogs and dogs with pre-existing conditions.

No, you cannot get heatstroke from your dog.