Heatstroke in dogs
Hot summer months are here and as a responsible pet owner, you have to ensure the health and safety of your true companions. It is very important that you are aware of the signs and symptoms of heatstroke in dogs since you often take them outside for toileting and exercise.
Hyperthermia – Hyperthermia is the term used to describe any increase in core body temperature above normal for that species (Norm values Dogs/Cats between 38-39.3 C) Hyperthermia is a result of the build-up of heat stored in the body due to the heat production being in excess of heat lost through radiation, convection or evaporation. In a hyperthermic state other than fever, hyperthermia is not a result of the body attempting to raise its temperature in order to shake of infection but is due to physiologic, pathologic, or pharmacologic intervention.
What is Heatstroke?
A heat stroke is a common form of inadequate heat dissipation. Exposure to high ambient temperature may increase heat load at a faster rate than the body can dissipate. This is especially true in larger breeds of dogs and brachycephalic breeds. Heat stroke may occur rapidly in the dogs especially in a closed environment with poor ventilation (e.g inside the car with windows closed, please note in the UAE this also happens with the windows open!) even on moderate hot days. The environmental temperature inside a closed car exposed to the direct sun may exceed to 49 degrees Celsius in less than 20 minutes even when the outside temperature is only 24 degrees Celsius. Death may occur in less than an hour, often much faster, especially in brachycephalic breeds. Heat stroke will not respond to antipyretic used in true fever. The dog must have total body cooling immediately if a fatal outcome is to be avoided. The total body cooling is best accomplished by water baths and rinse using cool but not cold water. If the water is too cold, there is a tendency of peripheral vasoconstriction, which will inhibit heat loss and slow the cooling process. Cooling should be discontinued when the body temperature approaches to normal to avoid potential dropping of temperature or Hypothermia. REMEMBER, FIRST START COOLING YOUR PET, THAN CALL THE VETERINARIAN!
What are the Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs?
- Excessive panting
- Unable or unwilling to move around
- Drooling
- Reddened gum
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Mental dullness
- Loss of consciousness
- Uncoordinated movement and collapse
Hyperpyrexia Syndrome
Hyperpyrexia syndrome is associated with moderate to severe exercise in hot and humid climates. This syndrome may be more common in hunting dogs or dogs that ‘’jog” with their owner. In a humid environment, there is a tendency toward a zero-thermal gradient for dry heat loss leading to net heat gain. In addition, severe exercise may cause the cardiovascular system to supply the skeletal muscle with adequate blood flow while compromising heat loss by not allowing proper vasodilation in the skin. Many hunting breeds of dogs and dogs that run with their owners will continue to work or run until they become weak, begin to stagger, and then collapse.
Walking our dogs is a bit challenging when summer hits as even at 6 in the morning it is already humid and hot. What can you do to still put your dog on his daily exercise to prevent obesity?
Swimming – If you have a pool, it’s better to let your dog swim rather than walk in hot weather, however even in pools dogs can overheat, so ensure they are calm and supervised at all times
Dog daycare – Nowadays, dog daycare has become very popular. You can bring your dog in for daycare to have interaction and play with other dogs without the risk of getting heat stroke.
Cooling vest – There are available cooling vests in the market that will help your dog regulate its body temperature. Check however that the vest is still cooling as otherwise it will work just the opposite way!
Reducing the dog treat amount and food intake – Without enough exercise due to avoidance of outside heat, you should consider reducing the number of treats and amount of food offered to your pet(s) especially those that are high in calories. You can still give your pet affection through petting, grooming and play or training.
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Blog written by veterinary nurse Mark Gutierez
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