The chief symptom is weakness. The best treatment is to have the dog rest in a cool area and to apply cool water to the dog's body. If your dog suffers from heat exhaustion, you must be cautious that you do not push the dog into heat stroke. A dog may appear to be recovered and yet have further complications a few hours later. It is best that any dog suffering from a heat illness be seen by a veterinarian before returning to work.
Heat stroke is a definite crisis.
The symptoms include staring eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, deep and labored breathing, bright red oral mucous membranes, and a rectal temperature that may be as high as 109.5o F. Treatment requires immediate immersion in cold water. This is a life-threatening condition that will likely result in brain damage even if the dog survives. Prevention is the handler's responsibility. The desert air can greatly affect a dog's ability to search. A dog must have moisture available in its nasal membranes in order for the scent to be carried to the odor receptor sites.