Heatstroke/Hyperthermia

Heatstroke is a significant risk to dogs in summertime, particularly to a pet that has little or no shade and water, or one that is confined in a close space. Don’t let these conditions occur! A dog with moderate heatstroke (body temperature from 104º to 106ºF) can recover within an hour, if given prompt first aid and veterinary care (normal body temperature is 100°F to 102.5°F). Severe heatstroke (body temperature over 106ºF) can be deadly and immediate veterinary attention is warranted.

Heatstroke can manifest itself in many ways: rapid panting; bright red tongue; red or pale gums; thick, sticky saliva; depression; weakness; dizziness; vomiting (sometimes with blood); diarrhea; shock or even coma. If you suspect heatstroke, remove the dog from the hot area immediately. Prior to taking him to your vet, lower his temperature by submerging his body in water, keeping his head elevated above the water.

Alternatively, use a sponge, shower or hose to wet him down. For very small dogs, use lukewarm water; for larger breeds cold water may be used. Cooling should occur gradually. Cooling too quickly or allowing your pet’s body temperature to become too low can cause other life-threatening medical conditions. You can check your pet’s temperature by using a well-lubricated rectal thermometer. His or her rectal temperature should be checked every five minutes during your cool-down. Once the body temperature is 103ºF, the cooling measures should be stopped. Even if your dog appears to have recovered before you reach the veterinarian, your pet should still be examined. Your dog may be dehydrated or have other complications. Place him on a wet towel and keep cooling the dog (using the vehicle’s A/C or keeping the windows down) during your travel. Allow your dog access to water, or to a children’s rehydrating solution, if your pet can drink on his or her own. Do not try to force-feed the dog cold water, or your pet might inhale it and choke. See your veterinarian as quickly as possible. Note: Overweight animals are more prone to develop heatstroke, so keep your dog at his optimal weight.

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS

• Your pet may feel very hot to touch.
• Vomiting or drooling may occur.
• Rapid breathing or panting. Your pet may be panting so hard that it has trouble swallowing and may look very distressed.
• Loss of coordination.
• Collapse.
• Coma.

MANAGEMENT

• Remove the animal from the hot environment.
• Run cold water over the back of your pet’s head. Place cold packs wrapped in towels between the back legs, on the belly and in the arm pits. Wet towels can be used instead.
• If your pet is collapsed then transport your pet to your nearest veterinarian. While in transit it is important to continue to apply cool wet towels to the back of the neck.
• Our local emergency medicine specialists no longer recommend that you immerse your pet fully in a cold bath (this was the recommended treatment). This treatment does bring your pet’s temperature down but tends to overcorrect it and then your pet may be seriously unwell, cold and wet. If you do have to use this technique it is important you dry your pet off well afterwards. It can be used for the pet who is hot but is not collapsed.
• Once your pet is comfortable again offer cool water in small amounts often until your pet has had its fill. If your pet drinks lots of water at once it is very likely to vomit. Once your pet is refusing water you can leave the bowl of water with it.An animal who has suffered from heat stroke is more prone to heat stroke in the future.

Original by: Dmitri Gromov