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*Every summer dogs are presented to veterinarians
for treatment of heatstroke.
Some of these cases are mild but unfortunately, they
can be severe and prove fatal despite aggressive treatment.
As the summer heat and
humidity begin, it is very important that we take our pets
into consideration and modify their routines accordingly.
When environmental
temperature approaches and surpasses core body temperature,
our bodies rely on evaporation to cool themselves.
We sweat-dogs do not!
Dogs will drool and pant, increasing evaporation to
cool themselves. If
a dog is not able to dissipate enough heat, their body
temperature begins to rise.
Normal rectal temperature for a dog is 101 to 102.5
degrees. If the
temperature exceeds 109 degrees, severe organ damage occurs
which may lead to death.
SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE
EARLY STAGES:
**Rapid breathing
**Increased heart rate
**Dry mucus membranes
**Depression
**Increase body temperature
LATER STAGES:
**Collapse
**Pale mucous membranes
**Vomiting, diarrhea
**Seizures, coma
**Death
TREATMENT:
This is an emergency! Call: Desert Veterinary Clinic at
946-4138 or Mid-Columbia Pet Emergency
Service at 547-3577
If you suspect heatstroke,
move the dog to a shaded area, soak the coat in cool water (not
cold-this could be too much shock to the animal's
systems), apply ice packs under the legs and transport
immediately to your veterinarian.
It is possible to cause the temperature to drop
abnormally low. If
you are a distance away, monitor the temperature on the way to
the veterinarian if possible.
Stop all cooling measures when the temperature is
coming down, but before the temperature reaches normal, and
continue to monitor the temperature (and the dog).
COMPLICATIONS
Even if the dog is
successfully cooled, he may develop internal organ damage
which may not be noticeable for 1-5 days after apparent
recovery. These
include clotting abnormalities, kidney and liver failure, or
gastrointestinal damage. Signs
include bleeding tendencies, failure to urinate, jaundice,
vomiting, and bloody diarrhea.
Any illness or concern should be addressed to your
veterinarian, especially during this time period.
PREVENTION IS BEST!!
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Leaving
your dog in a parked car in the
summer even with the windows down, can cause heatstroke
within minutes.
-
Heat
exhaustion is often caused by over exercising or running
with a dog during the summer.
-
Short
muzzle and thick-coated breads and mixes are particularly
vulnerable, although any breed can be at risk.
-
Plan
walks with your dog early in the morning or late in the
evening.
-
Make
sure your dog's water bowl is spill-proof and that your
dog can always reach the water bowl.
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