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Dog Heatstroke Survival
Guide
Know how to treat and prevent this dangerous condition.
What is heatstroke?
In simple terms, heatstroke occurs when a dog loses its natural ability to
regulate its body temperature. Dogs don't sweat all over their bodies the
way humans do. Brachycephalic breeds (the short-nosed breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs),
large heavy-coated breeds, and those dogs with heart or respiratory problems
are more at risk for heat stroke.
Canine body temperature is primarily regulated through respiration (i.e.,
panting). If a dog's respiratory tract cannot evacuate heat quickly enough,
heatstroke can occur.
To know whether or not your dog is suffering from heatstroke (as opposed to
merely heat exposure), it's important to know the signs of heatstroke.
A dog's normal resting temperature is about 38 to 39 degrees Celsius. Once a
dog's temperature rises above 40.5 degrees, physiological
changes start to take place, and the dog begins to experience the effects of
heatstroke. At 41 to 42 degrees, the dog begins to suffer irreversible
damage to the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, heart and brain.
If a dog is experiencing heatstroke, you may observe excessive panting;
hyperventilation; increased salivation; dry gums that become pale, grayish
and tacky; rapid
or erratic pulse; weakness; confusion; inattention; vomiting; diarrhea; and
possible rectal bleeding. If the dog continues to overheat, breathing
efforts become slowed
or absent, and finally, seizures or coma can occur.
The amount of damage a dog sustains when stricken with heatstroke depends on
the magnitude and duration of the exposure. The longer and more severe the
exposure, the worse the damage will be.
What to do
Pay attention to your dog. Recognizing the symptoms of heatstroke and
responding quickly is essential for the best possible outcome.
Get into the shade. If you think your dog is suffering from heatstroke,
move it into a shaded area and out of direct sunlight. Apply cool water to
the inner thighs and
stomach of the dog, where there's a higher concentration of relatively
superficial, large blood vessels. Apply cool water to the foot pads, as
well.
Use running water. A faucet or hose is the best way to wet down your dog's
body. Never submerge your dog in water, such as in a pool or tub - this
could cool the
dog too rapidly, leading to further complications, including cardiac arrest
and bloating.
Use cool - not cold - water. Many people make the mistake of using cold
water or ice to cool the dog. When faced with a dog suffering from
heatstroke, remember
that the goal is to cool the dog. Using ice or extremely cold water is
actually counterproductive to this process because ice and cold water cause
the blood vessels to
constrict, which slows blood flow, thus slowing the cooling process.
Don't cover the dog. One of the keys to successfully cooling your dog is
ensuring the water being placed on the dog can evaporate. Never cover an
overheated
dog with a wet towel or blanket. This inhibits evaporation and creates a
sauna effect around your dog's body. Likewise, don't wet the dog down and
put it into an
enclosed area, such as a kennel. Any air flow during the cooling process is
helpful in reducing the dog's body temperature. Sitting with the wet dog in
a running car
with the air conditioner blowing is an ideal cooling situation.
Keep the dog moving. It's important to try to encourage your dog to stand
or walk slowly as it cools down. This is because the circulating blood tends
to pool in
certain areas if the dog is lying down, thus preventing the cooled blood
from circulating back to the core.
Allow the dog to drink small amounts of water. Cooling the dog is the
first priority. Hydration is the next. Don't allow the dog to gulp water.
Instead, offer small amounts
of water that's cool, but not cold. If the dog drinks too much water too
rapidly, it could lead to vomiting or bloat.
Avoid giving human performance drinks. Performance beverages designed for
humans are not recommended because they are not formulated with the canine's
physiology in mind. If you can't get an overheated dog to drink water, try
offering chicken- or beef-based broths.
("The most likely explanation for why dogs do not need electrolytes and
people do is that people thermo regulate by sweating, dogs thermo regulate
by panting. Human sweat contains electrolytes (that's why sweat tastes
salty), and the electrolytes in sweat are lost to the body.
Panting does not result in large losses of electrolytes."
Kurt Matushek, DVM, MS 74232.35@compuserve.com)
See a veterinarian
Once your dog's temperature begins to drop, cease the cooling efforts and
bring the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your dog's temperature
should be allowed to slowly return to normal once cooling has begun. A dog
that's cooled too quickly may become hypothermic.
Even if your dog appears to be fully recovered, the veterinarian needs to
check to determine if the heatstroke caused any damage to your dog's kidneys
and liver. The effects of heatstroke can continue for 48 to 72 hours longer,
even if your dog appears normal.
William Grant, DVM, a veterinarian for 20 years and former president of the
Southern California Veterinary Medical Association, has treated hundreds of
cases of
heatstroke, ranging from mild to fatal. According to Grant, the most common
cause of death following heatstroke is disseminated intravascular
coagulopathy (blood coagulating throughout the body), or DIC,
which can occur hours or days after the heatstroke episode. DIC can also be
caused by pyometra or septicemia, but Grant says heatstroke is the most
common cause.
"Once a dog develops DIC, it may bleed in the thorax, abdomen, nose and
intestine," Grant says. "Once the blood-clotting factors are consumed, there
is an inability of the blood vessels to prevent leaking; the condition is
almost always fatal." For this reason, follow-up veterinary care is
essential following a heatstroke episode, even if your dog seems to be
completely fine.
Prevention is the best medicine
The best treatment for heatstroke is prevention. Especially during the
summer months, it's essential to be aware of the potential for heatstroke.
Knowing the signs of heatstroke, and taking the necessary steps to prevent
it, will ensure your dog can have a safe and active life year-round.
What if your dog has collapsed?
Suggested methods of moving your dog;
(two to four people will be needed for our large breed).
1. A blanket/comforter folded in half will enable rolling of the dog onto
it.
2. A plank or board that you previously measured for fit into the vehicle,
can be used to roll the dog onto.
Cool Paws could make a difference.
They are made big enough for Saints.
Soak them and the jelly filled insides will stay cool for a day or so!
Then you re-soak to expand them again.
www.outdoor-dog.com/dogboots
Thanks to Twin Branch Saints for contributing to this article.
Trusts
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