Heatstroke
by Cindy Warner | Apr 30, 2008
WARNING: Heatstroke is dangerous, deadly and the most common summer ailment for your dog. You can save your dog’s life by being prepared.
A run in the park on the first day of summer. A quick trip to the grocery store while Rover waits in the car. A glorious sunshiny day in the fenced-in backyard. How could any of these seemingly harmless activities kill your beloved pet? Heatstroke.
Heatstroke is a dangerous, deadly, and all too frequent summer ailment that strikes dogs despite the most conscientious owner’s best intentions. Armed with the facts and a little planning, heatstroke is one epidemic that can be easily avoided.
A dog’s body temperature is normally between 101°F and 102°F. All it takes is a 3-degree rise in Rover’s temperature and he is suddenly in danger of overheating. When his temperature reaches 108°F his heart, brain, kidneys, liver and intestinal tract begin to rapidly break down. His life depends on his caregiver’s acute awareness of the symptoms— some obvious, some subtle. Below are the most important symptoms to look for when enjoying activities with a pet in warm weather. Watch Rover carefully for changes in his normal behavior and act quickly if he displays one or many of these symptoms:
DANGER SIGNS
- Rapid frantic breathing
- Very red tongue
- Dry mouth and nose
- Dull grayish pink gums or extremely red gums
- Staring without seeing
- Extra wide open eyes
- Thick saliva
- Resistance to walk or move
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Physical collapse
- Failing to respond to commands
- Muscle weakness
Quickly following the below emergency response guide will increase the chances of saving Rover’s life:
- If possible, wet him with a hose or in a shower with cool water. If outdoors, cups or bottles of water can be wiped or poured onto his stomach and groin. Never use ice-cold water, which causes blood vessels to constrict and will not allow the heat to escape.
- Do not soak him in a bathtub of water. When a dog’s fur is soaked it will heat up next to his skin and become an insulator, not allowing internal heat to escape.
- Get him into a shaded, well-ventilated area. Turn the air conditioning on high, turn on a fan or open windows. If outdoors put him into an air conditioned car to cool him.
- Sponge his groin area and underneath the front legs with cool water.
- Never cover him, even with a soaking wet towel, because this will only trap the heat. Wipe him instead. Remember, ventilation is critical.
- Feed cool (not cold water) slowly but do not allow him to drink excessively.
- Wipe him down with rubbing alcohol, if available, but avoid his face. Rubbing alcohol is safe to use and a good coolant since it evaporates quickly.
- Use a bag of frozen vegetables as a pillow.
- Be sure to stay with him and be attentive. Never leave him alone or put him in a crate.
- Once his temperature begins to drop, stop all cooling methods. Dogs’ own bodies will continue to cool themselves once the cooling starts and should not be overcooled.
- Most importantly, if a dog has suffered from heatstroke he must be taken to a vet. This is important, even if it seems that he’s cooled off and behaving normally. Often additional steps, such as IV’s, are necessary.
HIGH RISK DOGS
“At risk” dog breeds require extra vigilance in summer months. The breeds that are particularly susceptible to heatstroke include Pugs, Pekinese, Boxers, Mastiffs, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and, in general, dark-coated dogs such as Black Labs. Puppies under six months are also extra prone to heatstroke, as are dogs on diuretics, overweight dogs or muzzled dogs.