heat-stroke-in-dogs

Heat stroke in dogs

Heatstroke in dogs happens faster than you think when temperatures start to rise. All dogs are susceptible, but younger and more fragile dogs are more likely to have difficulty regulating their body heat.

While this condition may seem harmless at first, it can actually have devastating effects on your dog's health and even lead to death. To help prevent this from happening, here's how to recognize heatstroke, as well as what to do to help a dog that's suffering from it.

 

What is heat stroke in dogs?

Heatstroke is an increase in the animal's body temperature above the norm, i.e. 38.5 C°.

This phenomenon, also called hyperthermia, should not be confused with fever, although fever is also a form of hyperthermia. Heat stroke is caused by an accumulation of heat from a source outside the dog's body.

Fever, on the other hand, is a hyperthermia caused by the body in order to increase the animal's immune defenses in response to the presence of pathogens (virus, bacteria) in the body.

 

What are the causes of heat stroke in dogs?

Heat stroke can be caused by several events, always non-pathological and external to the animal's body. Generally, it is caused by an ambient temperature that is too high, which heats up the dog's body and prevents it from expelling the excess heat.

A car ride or, even worse, a few minutes in a parked car is enough to cause heat stroke in hot weather. In fact, it is very dangerous to leave your dog locked up in a car, even in cool weather with the windows ajar: if the sun hits the bodywork, the temperature can rise rapidly and many dogs die every year in terrible pain.

Intense and/or prolonged physical effort can also cause heatstroke in dogs, especially in individuals unable to channel their energy, such as certain Terriers or Amstaff. Very young, sick or elderly animals may also have more difficulty regulating their body temperature, and hot temperatures or prolonged exposure to the sun can quickly take their toll.

The same is true for certain breeds with short muzzles (brachycephalic) or with thick hair that do not tolerate heat as well as others. Finally, nylon muzzles, which some owners prefer for their less barbaric appearance than metal or plastic basket muzzles, can also cause heat stroke.

Indeed, these devices keep the dog's mouth closed, preventing him from panting to evacuate the heat from his body. Therefore, their use should always be occasional and of short duration, and avoided as much as possible during hot weather.

 

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What are the symptoms of heat stroke in dogs?

A dog suffering from heatstroke will initially show rapid breathing (polypnea), dejection and generalized weakness (asthenia). He may show his discomfort by unusual postures, complaints or sudden agitation as he tries to find a cooler place.

Hyper salivation, a shaky or wobbly gait, coordination problems (ataxia), fainting or vomiting may also occur. More rarely, the dog may have a swollen tongue, nervousness, noisy breathing, nosebleeds (epistaxis), small spots on the skin and mucous membranes (petechiae), blue mucous membranes (cyanosis) or dilated pupils.

A closer look at your dog if he or she appears to be suffering from heatstroke can help you anticipate heatstroke and protect your pet before it occurs. Look for signs of decreased blood volume in the circulatory system (hypovolemia) due to dehydration.

Congested and dry mucous membranes, an elevated heart rate (tachycardia), a CRT of less than two seconds and an irregular pulse (arrhythmia) are warning signs.

The CRT (capillary refill time) is measured by pressing a mucous membrane - ideally the gum - of your dog with your fingertip and observing the time it takes for the mark left by this pressure to disappear.

 

What are the consequences of heat stroke?

The consequences of heat stroke vary depending on the severity of the episode and the organs affected. If left untreated, heatstroke causes the cardio-respiratory system to go into a coma and then death.

Severe or treated late, heatstroke can leave irreversible after-effects, most often neurological (absences, tremors, balance disorders or ataxia). In the most severe cases, the dog may suffer from life-long seizures similar to epileptic periods.

 

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What should I do if my dog suffers from heat stroke?

When a dog suffers from heat stroke, the best thing to do is to get him to a veterinary emergency room quickly to reduce the risk of irreversible damage. Wrap your pet in a wet sheet and air-condition the interior of your vehicle to help cool him down during the trip.

Offer your pet something to drink, but do not try to force water down your pet's throat, as this will increase stress and may cause further respiratory distress or a false start. Finally, remember to reassure your pet on the road - anxiety can raise his temperature even more!

If you can't take your dog to a veterinarian right away, place him in a cool, ventilated area, ideally on a tile floor, in a basement or garage. Spray him with lukewarm water and wait at least 15 minutes before switching to cold water: beware of thermal shock, which can lead to serious complications!

Indeed, a sudden change from hot to cold could cause vasoconstriction which would prevent the heat from being evacuated despite all your efforts.

 

FAQ

How to recognize heat stroke in dogs?
Heatstroke is manifested by rapid breathing, increased heart rate, depression or nervous signs. Often, the dog will complain of discomfort or seek water or a cool place to shelter.

What are the dangers of heat stroke in dogs?
Heatstroke is a real veterinary emergency, it causes a runaway of the cardiorespiratory system of the animal and deteriorates almost all its organs. If the dog is not treated in time, it may suffer mainly neurological consequences. In the most serious cases, and in particular those of dogs left locked in cars in the sun, heatstroke leads to a coma and then the death of the dog.

What causes heat stroke in dogs?
Heat stroke is usually caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures in a poorly ventilated area. It can also occur in moderately hot weather if the dog does not have access to enough water or during intense or prolonged exercise.

How to prevent heat stroke in dogs?
Never leave your dog locked up in a poorly ventilated and/or hot place, always provide him with plenty of clean water and avoid letting him run wild in hot weather.

Is my dog prone to heat stroke?
There are no dogs that are predisposed to heat stroke, but some breeds or individuals are more susceptible than others. This is the case for sick, very young or very old dogs whose body may be tired and have difficulty evacuating excess heat.

Finally, brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs, etc.) and those with long or dense hair are also poorly adapted to hot environments. Heat stroke in dogs is a true veterinary emergency and should never be taken lightly.

Fortunately, it can be easily prevented by avoiding exposing your pet to a very hot or poorly ventilated environment. Allowing your pet to bathe regularly in the summer, offering him a cooling mat and, above all, not neglecting to put a water bowl at his disposal at all times, are effective preventive measures.

 

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