What are signs of a mild heat injury?

• A. Heavy controlled panting, high rectal temperature, fast strong pulse, slightly decreased performance.
• B. Vomiting and diarrhea.
• C. Disoriented but normal temperature.
• D. Unconsciousness and seizures.

Answer: (A)

When a dog is starting to be affected by heat, the body shows signs of effort to cool itself without yet tipping into a crisis. The best indicator here is a combination of heavy but controlled panting, a noticeably elevated body temperature, a fast and strong pulse, and only a slight drop in performance. This mix reflects early heat stress where the dog is hot and working hard to regulate temperature, but hasn’t developed neurological symptoms or collapse.

Vomiting and diarrhea can accompany heat illness but aren’t specific markers of a mild stage and can occur for many reasons. Disorientation with a normal temperature suggests a problem not primarily driven by heat. Unconsciousness and seizures point to severe heat stroke with serious brain involvement.