Dog Heat Stroke

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With Summer Months Upon Us, for some the weather is getting warmer. For my little one, the heat can quickly get to her as does the cold. Canine Sunstroke Also known as hyperthermia For a dog to be compromised by heat they do not have to be in it for very long at all. Even in the last month of summer it is best to keep the dog out of the sun all together and kept cool. A dog can regulate it's body temperature by panting. On hot humid days the dogs body heat can rise rapidly, to above 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The effects can be severe if not treated immediately when the dog appears to be affected by heat stroke. Internal organs begin to break down when the dog's body temperature raised above 106 degrees Fahrenheit, so cooling down as quickly but carefully as possible is imperative to prevent permanent internal damage and even death. Who is Most Susceptible? Adult dogs & hairy dogs Types of Heat Stroke Too much sun or in confined area that is over heated, without proper ventilation. The cause has a direct effect of the type of medical treatment required. Signs of Too Much Sunshine Collapse, Panting, Bright red tongue and pale gums. Nauseous, Hot dry skin, Weak, Dizzy. Wont respond when name is called, Rapid heavy breathing, Fast pulse, Thick saliva, Vomiting, Difficulty breathing, Unconsciousness, Coma, Even convulsions. Recovery From Too Much Sunshine: Take out of direct sun into a cool shaded area, preferably with good air circulation. Lay dog on it's side and cool with large amounts of cold water over it or use cool damp towels, immerse in a cool bath or use a hose. Don't leave the wet towels on the dog, around the neck, chest and abdomen, for long periods as this will prevent the dog from removing the heat from their body. Keep the towel moisten with a bottle of water and keep on giving the dog ice cubes to lick. Do Not Use Very Cold Water but cool water. Your dog may have convulsions. It is best to use a hose or bottles of cool water. Once the dogs body temperature returns to a normal (below 103 degrees Fahrenheit), the cooling process can stop. Gauge the dogs body temperature when beginning the cooling process by using a rectal thermometer. When the dog recovers, provide cold water (but don't allow them to drink too much) for it to drink with a little salt added. 1 tablespoon to one liter of water. Do not give the dog hot drinks. Even if the temperature of the dog has been returned to normal, at home, it is important to seek medical attention right away so to check the dogs internal organs. On route to the vet, keep car windows open so to have ventilation and good air circulation. Signs of Too Much Heat in Confined Area If suffering from heat stroke the dog will exhibit signs of Dilated pupils, A weak but rapid heart beat, Clammy cold skin and Muscle cramps. Recovery Too Much Heat in Confined area: If the dog is still conscious, give the dog a large amount of warm water mixed with salt. 1/4 teaspoon of salt per glass of water. Ice for the dog to lick can be used to help cool the dogs body temperature but be careful not to over do it. Seek medical attention immediately. Prevent Dog Heat Stroke When the weather is warm, don't let your dog do too much activities because they don't know when they should stop. Watch for signs of over heating. When it is hot out and temperatures are warm, take the dog out for exercise only when the temperatures are not as hot,in the dawn and dusk. Keep the dog inside where the air is well ventilated whenever possible. If the dog remains outside during the day, be sure to provide plenty of fresh clean water for the dog to drink whenever it wants and provide an area where the dog can seek shade. Further Reading on Heat Stroke in Dogs http://www.dogflu.ca/dog_care/dog_health Interesting story about a fox terrier who became ill with Heat Stroke http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9801E3DF143AE533A25751C1A9619C94609ED7CF