The Dangers of Heat Stroke in our Pets

The Dangers of Heat Stroke in our Pets

We all know that at this time of year there are dangers regarding the hot weather. As pet lovers, we even know some of the risks and consequences of the hot weather on our much-loved furry friends. But what a lot of us probably don’t know is how big the risks can be and how early they can hit. Dr Marc Simpson, VetMed partner, has put together some information on heat stroke; some of the dangers and what to do and not do if any of our pets are affected.

Heat Stroke may be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment. A dog’s normal body temperature is 38.5C plus or minus 1 degree, and any time the body temperature is higher than 40.5C, a true emergency exists. Heatstroke generally occurs in hot summer weather when dogs are left with inadequate ventilation in hot vehicles. However, heatstroke may also occur in other conditions, including:
1. When an animal is left outdoors in hot/humid conditions without adequate shade.
2. When exercised in hot/humid weather especially black or ball obsessive dogs
3. When left in a car on a relatively cool (20C) day; a study from Stanford University Medical Center found the temperature within a vehicle may increase by an average of 15 degrees within one (!) hour regardless of outside temperature.
Other conditions which affect a pet’s ability to cope with heat include obesity and/or diseases affecting a pet’s airway. Certain dog breeds called, brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds (Bull Dog, Pekingese, Pug, Lhasa apso, Boston terrier, etc.) may suffer more, as they are ineffective at expelling heat through panting and through evaporative cooling from their nose. This results in an increased body temperature that may be fatal.
Initially the pet appears distressed, and will pant excessively and become restless. As the heat stress progresses, the pet may drool large amounts of saliva from the nose and/or mouth. The pet may become unsteady on his feet. You may notice the gums turning blue/purple or bright red in color, which is due to inadequate oxygen.
What to Do
• Remove your pet from the environment where the over heating has occurred.
• Move your pet to shaded and cool environment, wet with water and direct a fan to evaporative cool.
• If possible, determine rectal temperature and record it.
• Begin to cool the body by placing cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits, and in the groin region. You may also wet the earflaps and paws with cool water. Directing a fan on these wetted areas will help to speed evaporative cooling. Transport to the closest veterinary facility immediately.
What NOT to Do
• Do not use cold water or ice for cooling.
• Do not overcool the pet, check rectal temperature often. Temperature reach
• Most pets with hyperthermia have body temperatures greater than 105°F, and a reasonable goal of cooling is to reduce your pet’s body temperature to 102.5-103°F while transporting her to the closest veterinary facility.
• Do not attempt to force water into your pet’s mouth, but you may have fresh cool water ready to offer should your pet be alert and show an interest in drinking.
• Do not leave your pet unattended for any length of time.