A dog does not sweat. It pants, and when panting stops being enough the temperature climbs fast. In a Pakistani June that can happen on a walk that felt fine to you.
Higher risk: flat-faced breeds, dark or thick coats, overweight dogs, puppies, old dogs, and any dog left in a parked car for "just five minutes".
Early signs are heavy frantic panting, thick drooling, bright red gums, and a dog that will not settle. Later: staggering, vomiting, collapse.
What people say to do while getting to a vet:
- Move into shade, get air moving
- Wet the dog with cool -- not ice-cold -- water, especially the belly, groin and paws
- Let it drink small amounts if it can
- Do not wrap it in a wet towel and leave it, that traps the heat
Ice water is the argument that never ends. Some say it constricts blood vessels and slows cooling, some say get the temperature down by any means.
Has anyone here dealt with an actual heatstroke case? What did your vet do, and what did they tell you afterwards?