HEAT STROKE KILLS PETS - WATCH OUT FOR THE SIGNS

littlelab · Last edited by littlelab on Mon Apr 16, 2007 3:34 pm; edited 2 times in total

When a dog overheats, her body temperature can shoot up rapidly from the normal 101 - 102 degrees to 105 degrees and beyond," Chodrow says. "Above 105 degrees, the dog cannot get sufficient oxygen to its tissues, and brain damage can occur. Above 108 degrees, the cells of the kidneys, liver, and GI tract sustain severe damage, and the cells can die."

RECOGNIZING HEATSTROKE'S SIGNS

Heatstroke's early signs include rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, thick drooling saliva, and a dry nose and mouth. "The dog often has a panicked or wild expression, " Chodrow says. "If you lift up a lip, the gums above the teeth will be muddy grayish-pink or a brick-red instead of their normal clear pink color. As heatstroke progresses, the dog may stagger or have seizures. In advanced stages, she may show bloody diarrhea, coma, and death. Heatstroke is a medical emergency: If untreated, it can be fatal."

WATCH FOR RISK FACTORS

Too much exercise on a hot day or sitting in a parked car on a warm day, and your dog could suffer severely - or die. "In the enclosed space of a car, humidity builds up rapidly as the heat rises," Chodrow says, "so moisture doesn't evaporate to cool the dog. Even when it's only 80 degrees outside, a car can heat up to 120 degrees in less than 30 minutes." With extended play or work, a dog's body naturally heats up; that rising body heat coupled with hot or muggy conditions taxes the dog's ability to coll herself.

Chodrow notes that certain factors put dogs at greater risk for heat problems:

Black coats absorb more heat than light coats do.

Overweight dogs suffer from reduced breathing capability; extra insulation compounds the heat problem.

Short muzzles are less effective at passing air through upper airways, so panting doesn't work as well.

Double coats retain more heat.

Very old or very young dogs don't regulate body temperature as well.

HOW TO TREAT HEATSTROKE

If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, follow these steps:

Stop the heat: "First eliminate the causes (e.g., closed car, activity), Cohn says, and then move your dog to a cooler area. Use a fan to increase evaporation."

Cool down: "Try to lower your dog's temperature immediately, even before transporting her to the hospital," Chodrow advises. Immerse her in a tub of cool water or soak her with a garden hose. "Put an ice pack at the base of the skull to prevent brain damage."

Visit the vet: "Monitor the dog's temperature with a thermometer," Chodrow says. "When it comes down to 103 degrees, stop the cooling, and take the dog at once to a veterinarian." Heatstroke victims may sustain kidney or liver damage and might need several days of treatment and monitoring.

What you shouldn't do is as important as what you should. "Do not soak the dog in ice water," Chodrow says. "Ice water will close the capillaries of the skin, preventing cooling of the internal organs. Do not use rubbing alcohol - the dog might cool down too rapidly. Do not give a heatstroke victim large amounts of water to drink as the dog could bloat; if she seems thirsty, offer her some ice cubes to lick. Do not put the dog into an enclosed crate - humidity will build up and prevent evaporation.

AVOID THE HEAT AND ADD WATER

The best way to deal with heatstroke is to prevent it. "Never exercise your dog in the middle of a hot day; exercise or play with your dogs in the early morning or late evening to prevent overheating," says Jeff Weber, DVM, of the Century Veterinary Group in Los Angeles. "If you do go outside with your dog on a hot day, bring plenty of water, and wrap a wet bandana around her neck to keep her cooler. Even better, freeze the wet bandana the night before, so it will be cooler longer."

By planning exercise around the thermometer and carrying plenty of water, you and your dog can enjoy summertime fun - safely.
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Natalie and Co xxx

littlelab

I have posted this as I was not aware of the signs and thought Jack was just 'hot'. How wrong was I, in fact we have just got back from the vets, he had Heat Stroke, but my quick thinking (and help from lab forum members) helped me to bring his temp down, but it was still a very high 104 (normal 100 -102) when we got the surgery.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE BE VIGILANT IN THIS WEATHER
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Natalie and Co xxx

Chinakit

Brilliant post.

Could I add that guinea pigs are especially prone to heatstroke also (being small rotund animals!). A good way of keeping them cool is to freeze clean bricks in the freezer overnight and put them in the hutches during hot days. The piggies will either lie alongside them or even on top of them in order to stay cool.

Treatment is pretty much the same as that for dogs in the original post.

jenvetnurse

Many people do not realise their animal has heat stroke until the situation is critical.

Remember ALL pets need to be thought of in the heat not just the ones mentioned.

I have seen rabbits die from heat stroke.

pollaton

i have real problems with wilson, even if we go out late at night he exhibits all of the above. i normally keep his walks short and when we get back give him some cold water and turn the fan on him. but sometimes it can take him about an hour for his breathing to return to normal. the poor thing just looks at me like it is my fault. oh i also avoid going places where there are other dogs as he gets over excited which doesn't help with the temperature rising.
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littlelab

I am going to sticky and bump this as with all the hot weather around you need to be aware.
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Natalie and Co xxx

Violette

Any way of wetting the dog (or keeping it wet) helps - the evaporation of the water cools the body down. Depending on circumstances, if I can't let the dog into river etc often, I pour water over her (especially around head/neck area), or spray her with water from one of those plant sprays.

When we lived in USA, we could get bandanas for dogs that had chiller packs sewn into them. You put it in freezer overnight, and then tied it round dog's neck. It took several hours to thaw, and helped keep dog cool Cool

until then. If anybody knows where to buy them in UK, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

littlelab

I know they were selling them on ebay, I wonder if furbabies do them?
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Natalie and Co xxx

Violette

Thanks. Will try both. Maybe they will be getting them in as "seasonal" stock.

sapphire

littlelab

Bumping this for info
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Natalie and Co xxx