Heatstroke in Cavoodles: What Every Parent Needs to Know

As much as we love our fluffy cavoodles as our Aussie climate changes, we need to mindful of how the heat impacts their health, their coats and there lifestyle. My girls Bambi and Daisy love an early evening walk but there fave activity in summer is to sleep in the aircon while i am working. I am super mindful of our activities in this warmer weather as I know heatstroke is one of the most dangerous conditions a Cavoodle can face. Knowing the signs, causes, and treatments could quite literally save their life.

So I wanted to share some insights into how to avoid it, what to do if they have it and ways to prevent it so you can enjoy summer safely with your Cavoodle.

Can Cavoodles Get Heatstroke?

Absolutely. Heatstroke happens when a dog’s body temperature rises above the safe range (generally over 40°C) and their body can’t cool itself quickly enough. Dogs don’t sweat like humans and they mainly rely on panting, so once they overheat, things can get dangerous very fast.

Any dog can get heatstroke, but Cavoodles may be at slightly higher risk compared to some other breeds. There are a few reasons for this. Cavoodles have dense, often curly coats that can trap heat and make it harder for them to cool down. And if they h=inherited the shorter nose from their Cavalier parent, they may have a harder time breathing efficiently in extreme heat.

As they are small dogs they tend to heat up faster than large dogs, simply because of their smaller body mass.And because they are high energy and love to play, sometimes they forget to take breaks at playtime

Common Situations That Trigger Heatstroke

Heatstroke doesn’t just happen when it’s a blistering 40°C outside. It can occur on warm days, especially in these scenarios:

• Being left in a car: Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can skyrocket in minutes. NEVER leave your cavoodle in a car, no matter how long you will be. Too many avoidable accidents happen that quick errand can turn deadly in minutes

• Exercising in the heat: A game of fetch or a long walk at midday can quickly raise their core body temperature. Use common sense and avoid dog parks, long walks on hot cement and activities that can contribute to increasing their body temp. A Cavoodle chasing their ball for 20 minutes in the backyard can overheat, even on a moderately warm day.
  

• Hot, humid days: It doesn’t need to be in the mid 30’s for your cavoodle to suffer from heatstroke. Humidity makes it harder for dogs to cool down via panting.
  

• Lack of shade or water: Dogs without a cool place to rest or enough water are more vulnerable. Always have cold water bowls, plenty shade an cool spots for them to relax. Check out the Keeping Your Cavoodle cool blog here for more tips on this
  
  

  

Signs of Heatstroke in Cavoodles

Heatstroke can go from mild to severe quickly, so it’s crucial to know the early signs.

If your Cavoodle reaches the moderate or severe stage, it is an emergency you should act immediately and seek professional help from your vet.

What To Do If You Suspect Heatstroke

If you think your Cavoodle is suffering from heatstroke, every second counts. Here’s what to do:

1. Move them to a cool, shaded area immediately. Bring them inside or to a shaded spot away from direct sunlight.
   

2. Cool them down gradually. Offer cool (not icy) water. Rapid cooling can cause shock. The goal is to bring their temperature down slowly. Wet their paws, ears, and belly with cool water or wrap them in a cool, damp towel. And if possible, use a fan to circulate air around them.
   

3. Call your vet right away.
   Even if your Cavoodle seems to recover, heatstroke can cause internal damage that needs to be checked by a professional.
   

4. Transport them safely. If your vet says to come in, keep cooling them on the way, damp towels and air conditioning can help

Preventing Heatstroke in Cavoodles

Heatstroke is preventable with some simple precautions and som common sense

• Avoid the hottest part of the day: Walk early in the morning or after sunset.
  

• Provide plenty of fresh water: Both inside and outside.
  

• Create cool zones: Use cooling mats, fans, or shaded areas in the yard.
  

• Trim, don’t shave: Regular grooming helps keep their coat manageable, but shaving too short can actually make them more vulnerable to sunburn.
  

• Skip the car trips: Never leave your Cavoodle in the car, even for a few minutes.
  

• Know your dog: If your Cavoodle is older, overweight, or has breathing difficulties, they may be more at risk and need extra care.
  
  

The key is preventing your cavoodle from getting heatstroke is to keep them cool, hydrated, and avoid overexertion during warm weather. But if you do spot the signs of overheating, act fast, cool them down safely, and contact your vet.

With a little planning and awareness, you and your Cavoodle can enjoy the sunny days together without the risk.