Heat Stroke in Dogs

We all love playing around with our dogs, watching them run or running towards them, wrestling, jumping, etc… While this is healthy for your dog, when doing it in hot summer weather it can be more dangerous than many pet owners realize.

When a dog is exposed to high temperatures, heat stroke or heat exhaustion can occur. Heat stroke is particularly a risky condition that happens when normal body mechanisms cannot keep the dog’s temperature in a safe range, and since they do not sweat through their skin like humans do, if they cannot effectively expel heat their internal body temperature begins to rise.

Medically, what happens is that high temperature causes a chemical reaction that breaks down body cells which lead to dehydration and blood thickening. This puts extreme strain on the heart and causes blood clotting and subsequent death to tissue. A dog’s normal temperature should be 101 F to 102 F, if this temperature reaches 106 F; he is in danger of brain damage, vital organ failure and death. The hardest part is that we may not even notice.

Heat strokes can be moderate or severe, according to the temperature they reach. Moderate ones come into place when a dog reaches up to 106 degrees while severe ones reach 107 degrees or higher temperatures.

Now, the most important thing is to learn to identify the signs when your pet may be suffering from a heatstroke. The less obvious signs are hyperventilation, rapid panting, bright red tongue, red or pale gums, thickly, sticky saliva, and in more brutal cases depression, weakness, dizziness, vomiting (which may come sometimes with blood), diarrhea, shock, coma and ultimately, death. Many of those deaths can be easily avoided.

Once the signs of heat stroke are detected, you should remove the dog from the hot area immediately and try to gently lower his temperature by wetting him thoroughly with cool water, carrying around a pet water dispenser like gulpy (which we sell at Urban Pet) might be a good idea, as well; keep in mind that very cold water may actually be counterproductive because lowering his body temperature too quickly can cause further life-threatening conditions.  Thereafter, you should take him to your vet as soon as possible. Have him checked and examined since he may still be dehydrated or there could even be further complications.

The best approach to heat exhaustion and heat stroke is prevention. On hot weather, you must make sure your dog takes regular breaks, he has enough water and access to conditioned or air conditioned areas. Do not EVER leave your pet inside of your car, especially if your vehicle is parked in a hot area and even though you are away for only 10 or 15 minutes.
Keep in mind that some dogs can fully recover from heat stroke; others may suffer permanent organ damage. Sadly many deaths due to heat strokes could be prevented. As many other things in life, in this case prevention is the key!