No Description

THE HEAT IS ON

By:  Tiki Cole, CVT

Hyperthermia is a term describing an elevation in body temperature.  This increase typically occurs as a response to a trigger, such as inflammation in the body or a hot environment.  When a dog is exposed to high temperatures, heat stroke or heat exhaustion can result.  Heat stroke is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.  Once the signs of heat stroke are detected, there is precious little time before serious damage – or even death can occur.


Dogs do not sweat through their skin like humans – they release heat primarily by panting and they sweat through the foot pads and nose.  If a dog cannot effectively expel heat, the internal body temperature begins to rise.  Once the dog’s temperature reaches 106, damage to the body’s cellular system and organs may become irreversible.  Unfortunately, too many dogs succumb to heat stroke when it could have been avoided.  Learn how to recognize the signs of heat stroke and prevent it from happening to your dog.

SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE:

Increased rectal temperature - 104 requires action, 106 is an emergency)

Vigorous panting

Dark red gums

Tacky or dry mucous membranes (specifically the gums)

Lying down and unwilling or unable to get up

Collapse or loss of consciousness

Thick saliva

Dizziness or disorientation

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT HEAT STROKE

  • Move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun immediately.
  • Begin cooling your dog by placing cool, wet rags on the body – especially the foot pads and around the head.
  • DO NOT use ice or very cold water!  Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body’s core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise.  In addition, over-cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems.  When the body temperature reaches 103, stop cooling.
  • Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog’s mouth.
  • Call or visit your vet right away – even if your dog seems better.  Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary.

TIP:  Recruit others to help you – ask someone to call the vet while others help you cool your dog.

PREVENTING HEAT STROKE

  • NEVER leave your dog alone in the car on a warm day, regardless of whether  the windows are open.  Even if the weather outside is not extremely hot, the inside of the car acts like an oven – temperatures can rise to dangerously high levels in a matter of minutes.
  • Avoid vigorous exercise on warm days.  When outside, opt for shady areas.
  • Keep fresh cool water available at all times.
  • Certain types of dogs are most sensitive to heat – obese dogs and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, like Pugs and Bulldogs.  Use extreme caution when these dogs are exposed to heat.
  • Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are also breeds that are more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.