Which sign would indicate a dog is physiologically stressed during heat exposure?

• A. Heavy or rapid panting, excessive drooling, disorientation, reduced responsiveness, and signs of fatigue.
• B. Quiet sleeping with no interest in water
• C. Normal appetite
• D. Increased appetite

Answer: (A)

When a dog is exposed to heat, signs that the body is under physiologic stress appear as a mix of cooling effort, brain function strain, and fatigue. Heavy or rapid panting is the body’s main cooling mechanism, but if panting becomes excessive it shows the dog is in distress trying to shed heat. Excessive drooling often accompanies overheating and dehydration. If overheating continues, disorientation or confusion can set in, and the dog may become less responsive or slowed in reactions. Fatigue follows as energy stores dwindle and the body concentrates on cooling. Together, these signs point to the dog not coping well with heat and needing prompt cooling and hydration, with veterinary evaluation if signs worsen or collapse occurs.

Options that describe quiet sleeping with no interest in water, normal appetite, or increased appetite do not reflect the acute physiologic stress of overheating in the same way, and thus are not the immediate indicators of heat stress.