Health & Behavior Tips

Heatstroke

By Carla Douple, DVM

** Permission of author is required for use of this article.**

Summer time means sunshine, car rides, vacations, trips to the park, and of course, summer time heat. Most of our pets enjoy a chance to bake in the sun, but summer heat can be dangerous as well. Dogs can be especially sensitive to heat, since they cannot perspire to cool down like humans. Canines can only pant and use the evaporation of moisture from their tongues to cool themselves. On a moist muggy day, this form of cooling is not as efficient.

Heatstroke develops when the body's internal temperature elevates to above 105 degrees F. The elevated temperature is a result of over exertion or external heat, as compared to a fever, which is caused by a pet's immune system and its internal thermostat, in response to infection. A fever rarely exceeds 106 degrees, but heat stroke temperatures can go much higher. Once the body temperature reaches 109 degrees, serious organ failure can develop.

Common cases of heat stroke result from dogs left in the car on a hot day (even sometimes with the windows down), dogs tied outside with no shade or water, and over exercising in heat. Short nosed dogs are especially susceptible (like pugs, boxers, and bulldogs). Grooming accidents where pets are left under drying fans too long are also an unfortunate culprit, and a cat that sneaks into an open clothes dryer just before it is turned on can cause fatal heatstroke. Signs of heatstroke include panting, salivation, gray or bright red gums and a pounding heart rate. Some dogs may also become nauseous or have diarrhea. As the condition advances, a pet can go into a serious state of shock that can result in kidney failure and even swelling of the brain.

Heatstroke requires immediate emergency therapy. The first thing an owner should do, should they find their pet in possible heat stroke is COOL THEM DOWN. Wet the pet’s body with a gentle hose spray, then get them to a veterinarian immediately. If the owner has phone access, he or she should call the vet to notify them of the pets pending arrival and allow them to be more ready to start heatstroke therapy. The veterinarian will continue to cool the pet and start shock therapy with intravenous fluids, oxygen, and medications. Fast action is crucial to saving a pet in heatstroke.

Prevention of heatstroke is simple:

- Always provide fresh, clean water.

- Always be sure pets have shade and protection from excessive heat.

- Never let your pet in the car on a hot day, even with the windows cracked.

- Avoid exercising your pet during the hottest part of the day.

- Always check the dryer before running a cycle to be sure a pet has not crawled into it.

With a little caution, both you and your pet can enjoy the warmth of summer safely.

© 2002 & 2007, Carla Douple, DVM. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint contact author at Landisville Animal Hospital, 3035 Harrisburg Pike, Landisville, PA 17538