Died in the hospital

Heat Proved Fatal for Young Male Shepherd

A sporting dog was trained in high temperatures; afterward, it showed symptoms of heatstroke and died. (Stock photo)(Bild: Krone KREATIV/stock.adobe.com)

For a four-year-old German Shepherd, a hot summer day ended with seizures and loss of consciousness. His owners reject the accusation that he had been pushed beyond his limits on the sports field and died as a result. 

Anyone who wants to reach the podium in sports has to train hard. Ambition, hard work, and talent are often not enough. To make it to the very top, some push themselves to—or even beyond—their limits. This applies not only to soccer—to give a current example—but also to dog sports. 

Time and again, dog owners find themselves in the public spotlight because they are accused of losing sight of their love for animals in the pursuit of success and peak performance. This was the case last weekend as well, when a professional (name known to the editors) was training with his dog at a field in Upper Austria. 

So-called “biting and attack training” is part of working dog sports. Incidents like this, however, do not contribute to a positive image.(Bild: martin schlecht)

Insiders have reported unimaginable details to the “Krone”: The male dog was reportedly hounded all morning in intense heat, was allegedly mistreated with kicks and electric shocks, and died right there at the dog training field in front of his owner’s eyes. 

The number of unreported cases involving banned electric collars is high
Scenarios like these may sound unbelievable, but unfortunately they are not entirely far-fetched. Just a few days ago, a stray dog was brought to the Krems animal shelter and was traced back to a woman who regularly participates in dog sports tournaments. The tragic part: the animal was wearing an electric collar that delivers electric shocks via remote control. This is rightly a banned device that constitutes animal cruelty. 

Back to Upper Austria: It’s essential to investigate such serious allegations if dog sports enthusiasts don’t want to be perceived as treating their animals in this abhorrent manner. 

The professional in question shares this view, as he assured the “Krone” in an interview. He said he is far from engaging in such practices and would turn away clients with such ideas about dog training. 
He cannot explain how such allegations against him arose. 

Seizures in the Garden 
But it’s true that he had trained with his dog that morning as usual; nothing out of the ordinary happened at the training grounds. It wasn’t until later that afternoon that the dog began having seizures at home in the garden and became lethargic. He was taken immediately to the veterinary clinic, where the dog was treated for symptoms of heatstroke. 

Typical symptoms of heatstroke

• Heavy, frantic panting
• Dark red or very pale mucous membranes
• Restlessness, staggering, or weakness
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Seizures
• Altered consciousness, up to and including loss of consciousness
• Body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius

Anxious hours followed for the dog, who unfortunately died the next day at the veterinary clinic, as the attending veterinarians confirmed to the “Krone.” The exact cause of death will now be determined by an autopsy. If the suspicion of heatstroke is confirmed, the owner will face accusations of having overexerted the dog during training without regard for the consequences. 

Death from heatstroke can be considered animal cruelty
In this case, criminal charges are even likely. For example, the heat-related deaths of two police dogs and two other dogs in the Weinviertel region following a private jogging session by a service dog handler from the Lower Austria State Police Department led to legal consequences. 

First Aid for Heatstroke

• Immediately move the dog into the shade or a cool room.
• Moisten the legs, belly, and paws with cool (not ice-cold) water.
• Ensure air circulation (fan, breeze).
• Offer small amounts of water, but do not force the dog to drink.
• Seek immediate care at a veterinary clinic or from a veterinarian.

Important: Symptoms may not appear until hours after the dog has overheated. Even if the dog seems to recover at first, it should always be examined by a veterinarian after suffering from heatstroke.

What is reasonable to expect from my pet?
Whatever the outcome, this case should serve as a reminder to all dog lovers. Anyone who truly loves their dog will always be mindful of how much they can reasonably expect from their four-legged companion.

Athletic achievements can be wonderful, but they should never take precedence over the animal’s health and well-being. If it is confirmed that limits were exceeded in this case, there must be consequences—not only for those responsible, but also as a clear warning to those who lose sight of their dogs’ well-being in the name of sports.