Summer sunshine is nice, but temperatures have been soaring to extremes lately. How much sun is too much when it comes to your canine companion? Yes, pets can get heat stroke too!
The owner was frantic. Just an hour before, her Frenchie, Sambo, was playing in the yard. Now, he was listless and having trouble breathing. Rushing him to the nearest veterinary clinic, a concerned veterinary technician informed her Sambo’s temperature was over 103 degrees – he was suffering from heat stroke. Luckily for Sambo – and with the help of a quick-thinking owner and veterinary technician – he recovered.
Hundreds of dogs find their way to the family veterinarian every summer after spending just a few hours in the hot sun.
It is important to remember that dogs do not sweat like we do. Cooling themselves by panting, dogs use the moisture evaporating off their tongue to lower their body’s temperature. Anything overwhelming, this natural cooling system can lead to heat stroke. With more families away from home during the day, our dogs are often left outdoors, where it may be difficult to find shady, cool places and water to drink.
Normally, a dog’s temperature ranges from 100 to 102.5 degrees. In cases of heat stroke, temperatures over 103 degrees are, by definition, Heat Stroke – temperatures over 106 degrees can be fatal in minutes.
Hyperthermia (higher than normal body temperature) can affect every major body system, so you must get your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Dogs who succumb to heat stroke often show the following symptoms:
- Vigorous panting
- Inability to stand or weakness while standing
- Thick, ropy saliva, literally foaming at the mouth
- Bright red mucous membranes, although some dogs may show pale or muddy gums.
Heat stroke can affect any dog, although dogs with short faces, such as Boston, Pugs, and Bulldogs, may be at higher risk due to their inability to pant effectively and cool themselves. Many people believe that their pets will be fine outdoors. However, inadequate shade and/or water can affect even the most seasoned outdoor dog.
Interestingly, heat stroke in cats is exceedingly rare. Most animal experts believe cats are extremely good at finding the coolest spots to lay and avoid the excessive, excitatory exertions that many dogs seem to thrive on.
If you find your dog vigorously panting on a warm summer day, immediately bring him inside into the air conditioning or at least a fan. Put Fido in the bathtub or shower and soak him with cool, not cold, water. Offer him cool fluids like water and call your vet to be safe. Do not use ice or extremely cold water. Although it seems logical, extreme cold will cause surface blood vessels to contract, forming an insulating area that traps heat in the body, delaying the cooling of the vital organs.
Attempting to force your pet to drink is also not advisable. If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke, load your pet carefully into a car and go to the veterinarian. Under no circumstances should you leave your pet alone in the vehicle. Without these life-saving steps, many dogs might lose their lives to the “dog days” of summer. But, as Sambo will testify, quick-thinking owners and veterinary professionals can help get them back on their feet quickly.
Dr. Carol also offers these Summertime Pet Safety Tips for Your Canines:
Watch out for tender paws. If it is too hot for you to walk outside barefoot, chances are it is too hot for Fido, too. Buy him booties.
Do not leave pets in Parked cars where the temperatures soar to over 110 degrees in minutes, especially when it is 80-90 outside
Going to the pool? Not all dogs can swim so get Fido a Life Jacket and swimming lessons if needed.
At the beach, bring fresh water and an umbrella for shade. Saltwater is not acceptable as a replacement. Dogs can get Salt Toxicosis and then need to go to the PET ER.
Got a Mexican Hairless-get him a coverup and some sunscreen-buy Pet Sunscreen with SPF over 30 and avoid Zinc Oxide-its toxic to pets
To learn more, visit www.chagrinfallspetclinic.com. Veterinarian and author Dr. Carol Osborne can be reached toll-free at 1-855-372-2765 for consultations.
