Working up a sweat maybe a good idea for our owners, but for us is could spell trouble and lead to something called heat stroke. From what I hear this heat stroke thing is very dangerous and kills many of our animal friends each year! You see us dogs’ body temperatures are normally around 101 degrees Fahrenheit. If our temps rise just a mere 5 degrees or more we are put at risk for heat exhaustion and that is bad and if it keeps going up there is a possibility that your may have a seizure or even a stroke. With either of these, damage or death may or may not occur.

Below are a couple of scary and interesting facts. The temperature of a parked car can read 160 degrees or higher in a matter of minutes and it doesn’t help if you have the windows cracked for us. Another thing to be aware of is, we can become overheated while playing or exercising outside on a hot and humid day even if we are provided water. As you now know these activities can lead to us becoming overheated and possibly leading to heat stroke, seizures, or death. Below are warning signs and some ways to prevent heat stroke from happening that my Mom has written.

When a human overheats our sweat gland make it possible for us to sweat in order to cool down. However, dogs do not sweat like a human and must rely on panting to cool down. When a dogs pants it breaths in from its nose and out its mouth and this pushes air over the membranes of the tongue, throat, and trachea to allow cooling. Another way your dog is able to combat heat is thru dilation of blood vesels in the skins surface of the face, ears, and feet. Where these methods become exhausted, hyperthermia as well as heat stroke may occur.

Things To Watch For

An overheated dog will appear sluggish, unresponsive, and disoriented. The tongue, gums, and conjunctiva of the eyes may become bright red and the dog will be panting at a rapid rate. The dog may or may not start vomiting. Without treatment the dog will eventually collaps, possibly have a seizure, and may or may not slip into a coma.

If your dog exhibits any of these signs, treat it as an emergency and call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic immediately. On the way, you can help cool your pet with wet towels, spray with cool water or provide ice chips for your dog to chew if the dog is conscious.

Veterinary Care

Heat related illness is typically diagnosed based on a physical exam and a recent events that could have resulted in overheating. Your veterinarian may perform various blood tests to assess the extent of vital organ damage that may have been caused by the overheating.

Intensity of treatment depends upon the cause and severity of the heat illness.

• Mildly increased temperature (less than 105°F) may only require rest, a fan to increase air circulation, fresh water to drink and careful observation.
• Markedly increased temperature (greater than 106°F) must be treated more aggressively. Cooling can be promoted externally by immersion in cool water or internally by administering a cool water enema.
• Underlying aggravating conditions, such as upper airway obstructive diseases, heart disease, lung disease and dehydration may be treated with appropriate medications, supplemental oxygen or fluid therapy.

Home Care

Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. Check your dog’s temperature rectally if you suspect heat stroke. If it is over 105 degrees F, remove your dog from the heat source immediately and call your veterinarian.

Meanwhile, place a cool, wet towel over your dog or place him in a cool bath. Do not use ice because it may cause skin injury. Spraying with water from a garden hose also works well.

Written by Andrea Daris with a little help from Chien, Oliver, Sting, and Sophie.