Mount Carmel Animal Hospital informs readers about the dangerous consequences of heat stroke in dogs and when you should seek veterinary care for your pet.
Summer has finally arrived, and we can feel the heat. Knowing how the heat impacts your pup is critical. Mount Carmel Animal Hospital informs readers about the dangerous consequences of heat stroke in dogs and when you should seek veterinary care for your pet.
What Does a Heat Stroke Signify?
Technically, a temperature is considered abnormally high, or hyperthermic, if it exceeds 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Body temperatures above 105 degrees Fahrenheit without previous signs of illness are considered heat stroke and are prevalently linked to excessive environmental or external heat exposure.
Causes of Heat Stroke in Dogs
The most prevalent cause of heat stroke, or hyperthermia, is leaving a canine in a vehicle with insufficient ventilation. Unfortunately, the dog’s body temperature in this situation may elevate quickly, often within minutes. Remember, dogs can’t control their body temperature by sweating as humans do since they only have a few sweat glands in their footpads. A dog’s primary way of regulating body temperature is by panting. Brachycephalic, or “smushy faced” dogs such as pugs and bulldogs are especially prone to heat stroke. Other prevalent causes of heat stroke in dogs include:
- Being left in a yard without access to water or shade on a hot day
- Being exposed to a hair dryer for a long time
- Vigorous or excessive exercise during hot temperatures
- Excited or excessively exercised animals are sometimes at risk even if there is no high humidity or environmental temperature
- Dogs that are muzzled for any reason may be at greater risk
- Any infection causing fever, including seizures or severe muscle spasms
Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs
Heat stroke in dogs may include elevated breathing rates, abnormal gum color, dry or sticky gums, and bruising. Dogs will sometimes vomit or have diarrhea. In more severe cases, dogs might appear disoriented or lethargic and can have seizures.
Treatment for Heat Stroke
Hyperthermia is a medical emergency, so safe, controlled reduction of body temperature is imperative. You may pour cool water over your pet’s head, stomach, feet, and armpits or apply cool clothes. Make sure to replace these cool, wet clothes. Otherwise, they will start to retain heat. It is vital to start cooling your dog immediately, even before you get to a veterinary hospital.
Using ice packs is controversial as they might contribute to reducing blood flow to the skin surface, where heat exchange may occur. Once you have arrived at a veterinary hospital for treatment, mild sedation, intravenous fluids, and low-concentration oxygen therapy may also be used to treat heat stroke. The canine’s rectal temperature will be monitored, and the treatment will be discontinued once the canine demonstrates recovery signs or the temperature has dropped to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. If cooling is not discontinued, the patient might develop dangerously low body temperatures, known as hypothermia. Depending on how severe the dog’s hyperthermia was upon arrival, continued care and monitoring may be required. Your veterinarian will discuss future care and treatment based on your dog’s appearance and needs.
Prevention
Discover some methods to prevent heat stroke in dogs:
- Make sure your pet has access to lots of cool water, and consider adding ice to keep it cool.
- Provide a cool, shaded area for your dog to rest. Be careful with dog houses, as they can trap heat and almost act as an oven in high temperatures.
- Avoid leaving your dog outside on hot days, especially during the hottest time of the day.
- Avoid exercise or playing outside on hot days. If your pup is high energy, try exercising early in the morning or later at night to avoid peak heat. You can also try fun and interactive games in the house like hiding treats for a scavenger hunt, playing hide and seek, or setting up an obstacle course in a larger room.
- Keep your dog inside your home with air conditioning when you are not home.
- Never leave your pet inside a car on a hot day. Even on cool days, the temperature can quickly rise to dangerous levels.
HERE AT MOUNT CARMEL ANIMAL HOSPITAL, WE’LL TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook