Protect Dogs this Summer

Summer means vacation, relaxation, and fun under the sun, but the high temperatures can put your dog in danger. The most common cause is careless action by a pet owner, like leaving a dog in a car or forgetting to provide water and shade when they are outdoors. A heatstroke is a form of nonpyrogenic hyperthermia, which essentially means a high temperature not caused by a fever. It occurs when dogs are no longer able to self-regulate and keep their temperature at a comfortable level. Unlike humans who sweat, dogs eliminate heat from their bodies by panting.

Dogs with a restricted airway such as brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs such as pugs, boxers, and bulldogs) are at greater risk. In these breeds, clinical signs of heatstroke can occur when the outside temperature and humidity are only moderately elevated. Also, dogs that are muzzled for any reason can be at greater risk since their ability to pant is restricted by the muzzle.

Any infection causing fever (pyrexia) can lead to hyperthermia. Seizures or severe muscle spasms can also elevate the body temperature due to the increase in muscular activity. When panting isn’t enough, a dog’s body temperature rises, and they can experience heatstroke, which can become fatal if not treated immediately.

Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs

• Faster, heavier panting
• Barking, whining, or signs of agitation
• Excessive drooling and thirst
• Increased pulse and heartbeat
• Dark-colored (red or purple) gums or tongue
• Glassy eyes
• Elevated temperature of 40 C (104 F) and up
• Staggering, weakness, or collapse
• Vomiting
• Bloody Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

For the best chance of survival, dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature lowered gradually. Please follow the instructions below:

1. Move the dog to a shaded and cool area
2. Immediately poor cool (not cold to avoid shock) water over the dog or place them in the breeze of a fan or hand-fan air with the use of a cloth or magazine, pouring them over with alcohol will allow for quicker evaporation of the heat and therefore cooling
3. Place cold or frozen peas or cool cans of soda in armpits and inguinal area as the blood is close to the surface here and the skin is thinner, allowing it to cool more effectively
4. Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water without forcing them to drink
5. Continue to pour cool water over the dog until their breathing starts to settle, but not too much that they start shivering
6. Take the rectal temperature (as soon as possible and every 5-10 minutes after to see how long it stays up)
7. When the pet is cooling, call the vet and tell them you are on your way, your dog will need to be admitted and get intravenous fluids to stabilize the aftermath of the damage done by the heat. If the temperature has stayed long over 40 C, the prognosis is poor, but most dogs when picking up whilst under treatment can recover completely.

Read our story about the English bulldog who had a whopping 43 C temperature.

Our veterinarians will also monitor your dog for secondary complications such as kidney failure, development of neurologic symptoms, abnormal clotting, changes in blood pressure, and electrolytes abnormalities.

If you see any signs of heatstroke, contact us immediately by calling our clinic at 04 340 8601.

Tips to protect your pet’s paws in the dog days of summer

• Check the pavement for heat before taking your dog on a walk.
• Place your hand or a barefoot on the surface for 10 seconds.
• If it too hot for you to keep your hand or foot on it, then it is too hot for your pet.
• Stay on grassy surfaces and avoid bare ground when outside in the summer heat.
• Avoid the hottest parts of the day.
• Walk early in the morning before 7 AM or later in the evening after the pavement has cooled down and no longer than 5 minutes because of the humidity.

Learn more from another blog about hyperthermia in cats.

Be aware that standing outside talking could kill your dog, therefore give clear instructions to people walking your dog. Obese, snob-nosed, and elderly pets or pets with systemic problems are at higher risk. Flap doors are not to be trusted, nor can you trust your dog to leave himself in, some dogs fall asleep in the sun and are too disorientated to manage going back in. So in the Summer heat, be in charge and decide what is good for your dog. Weight loss programs will have to include indoor exercise in the summer months, as outdoor exercise is too dangerous.

Written by Camila Sousa, ABVC veterinary nurse