Heatstroke in Dogs

What is Heatstroke?
Animals cannot sweat like humans do, and their normal body temperature runs much higher than ours. Dogs cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paw pads. If they have only overheated air to breath, animals can collapse, suffer brain damage and possibly die of heatstroke. Heat stroke is a dangerous rise in body temperature due to exposure to heat, past the ability to self-cool. A dog’s normal body temperature varies from 99°-102.5° F. Heatstroke occurs when a dog is exposed to extreme or prolonged heat.

What are the symptoms of Heatstroke?
A dog experiencing heatstroke will feel hot to the touch and exhibit forceful panting. The dog may be drooling, have glazed eyes, lack of alertness, unsteadiness or staggering. The severe symptoms are loss of coordination, sudden collapse, and unconsciousness. Moderate to severe heatstroke is a medical emergency.
 

What if my Dog has Heatstroke?
Treatment can be tricky and must be closely monitored so as not to so severely reverse the symptoms from hyperthermia (hot) to hypothermia (cold) creating an entirely new set of reactions. To cool the pet, apply cool, wet towels or cooling packs (wrapped in towels) delicately and watchfully, to head, neck, and inguinal/inner thigh areas. Placing the pet in front of a fan or lightly soaking the pet in cool (NOT COLD) water is also helpful. During transport to a veterinary clinic, continue to cool the pet as described above. The cooling process must be closely monitored; taking care to not lower the body temperature past the normal range, 99°-102° F. Veterinary treatment may involve oxygen therapy, IV fluids, lab tests and medications. After the patient has been successfully hydrated and returned to a healthy temperature, he should be watched for the next few days to be sure of no lasting effects. In severe cases, grievous complications may take place such as seizures, acute renal failure, pulmonary edema, or organ failure. These can be dire complications that will affect the rest of the animals’ life. It would be best to be aware of the potential dangers and act to prevent heat stroke rather than allow a pet to potentially suffer.
 

What causes Heatstroke?
Most commonly, dogs suffer from heatstroke after being left in a car. Most people are under the false belief that the interior of the car will stay cool enough for the dog if they are parked in the shade, or lower their windows. On a cooler day, even when the outside temperature is in the 60’s, the temperature inside the vehicle can increase 40 degrees or more within minutes on a bright sunny day. On a warm day, this scenario becomes life threatening within minutes. Leaving a pet in the car is unlawful, as the California Penal Code 597.7 reads: “No person shall leave or confine an animal in any unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of an animal due to heat, cold, lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to an animal.” Other than dog related car trips, it is just best to leave your pet in the comfort of home. At home, pets can be exposed to an abundance of heat by being in a poorly ventilated area, such as a closed, unventilated room, a garage or a shed or out in the yard where there is no available shade. Not providing sufficient water is a strong factor, creating a high risk for heat exposure.

How can Heatstroke be Avoided?
Ventilation: Take care that pets are in an area supplied with ventilation, protection from the sun, and sufficient fresh water. If the pet is kept inside a room, open a window and crack the door allowing for air flow. Leaving the animal in a crate can be dangerous because of the lack of good ventilation. Outside pets should have full access to shade. If trees in the area are scarce, erecting an easy-up canvas is a simple way to provide shade. Access to a large, plastic “kiddie pool” is also a great way for a pet to cool off during the heat of the day.
 

Fresh water should be readily available and kept in the shade. To keep water cool, drop ice cubes or a plastic bottle with frozen water in the container or water dish. Remember that pets will consume more water during hot days so leaving a second or third bowl or bucket is advised. Change the water supply daily to avoid mosquito breeding.
 

Activity in high temperatures should be limited. When exercising a pet try to do so in the cooler hours of the day- mornings or evenings. If this is not possible the pet should get shaded rest every 30 minutes, with water. While exercising, do not expect the pet to be ready for a full regimen; build up to the workout like a runner preparing for a marathon. Pet owners should be very conscious that obese animals will over heat faster and brachycephalic (flat faced) breeds of dogs, especially pugs, pekingnese and bulldogs, have more difficulty obtaining oxygen.

Paw Pads  can burn so be mindful of keeping your dog in the back of a truck for prolonged periods as the metal becomes extremely hot. Limit walks on pavement to the cooler hours of the day. Be kind to your pet and leave him or her at home when you go to events like the flea market or other public outings. Dog boots are available, and should be used on hot days if your pet will be walking on pavement during the heat of the day.