Heat stroke in dogs – how to recognize it and what to do
No
matter the season, dogs in many parts of the country remain in danger
of heat exposure. Don’t let down your guard against this killer. Protect
your pooch from heat stroke by staying aware of what it is, staying
away from its causes, staying alert for its symptoms, and staying
prepared to deal with it.
Authors Shelley Frost and Katerina
Lorenzatos Makris and four consulting veterinarians offer the following
information from their book Your Adopted Dog: Everything You Need to Know about Rescuing and Caring for a Best Friend in Need (The Lyons Press).
Description of heat stroke
A
dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 101 to 102 degrees
Fahrenheit. Should his temperature exceed 106, there can be liver and
kidney failure, brain damage, intestinal hemorrhaging, blood vessel
damage, and blood clotting, leading to death.
Causes of heat stroke
Dogs are in danger of heat stroke when they are confined in a hot area, such as:
A car (even for just a few minutes, because the temperature inside a car can rapidly climb and exceed the outside temperature)
A concrete or asphalt or other hot surface
A yard with little shade or water
Groomers can cause the condition by muzzling a dog under a hair dryer.
Dogs who are allowed to exercise too much in hot or humid weather are also at risk.
Even your home, if it lacks proper ventilation and cooling, can lead to tragedy.
At higher risk are: Puppies Adult dogs that are large, overweight, older, or taking medication
Symptoms of heat stroke (You might see only a few of these signs. Don’t wait till you see them all!)
Move the dog to a cool area. In a bathtub or with a garden hose, wet him with cool (not cold) water for up to two minutes. If bath or hose water is not available, wet the dog as much as possible. If you can, turn an electric fan on the dog and apply ice packs or cloths soaked in alcohol to the paw pads and insides of the legs.
Caution:
If the dog is in some shock, the skin can feel cold and clammy, but the core temperature can still be high. Nevertheless, be very careful about continuing the cooling process for longer than two minutes, as you might lower the dog’s temperature too much.
Contact the vet as soon as possible for further instructions.
With thanks to:
Don Conkling, DVM, Masson Veterinary Hospital, San Bruno, CA Carolyn Cupp, MS, DVM, Liberty, MO David M. Munson, DVM, Foothill Animal Hospital, Lake Forest, CA Paul Richieri, DVM, MS, Melrose Veterinary Hospital, Vista, CA
