A dog’s internal body temperature should run about 101 degrees. Once it reaches 105 degrees, the dog may escalate from early signs of heatstroke to death from hyperthermia.
The most common causes of heatstroke are (1) outdoor dogs left in high temperatures without proper shade or adequate water and (2) dogs left alone in “closed” cars that overheat. Even cars sitting in shade with windows partially open become oven-like within minutes on hot, humid days. Don’t underestimate the actual heat factor or think you will get back to the dog within a safe period of time. Returning to a dead dog is devastating.
Elderly dogs, puppies, sick dogs, and other less-than-optimally-healthy or normal dogs are at higher risk. Dogs with chronic illness, overweight and overexerted dogs, are all at increased risk. Certain dogs — like the broad-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, double-coated breeds, and dogs bred for cold climates — are especially at risk.
Whereas humans perspire to reduce body heat, dogs pant. On hot, humid days or on days when warm air circulation is low, panting alone is not always enough. If a dog is not acclimated to warm weather conditions – as in early spring – or he is an energetic dog that is not given time to acclimate to hotter climates – as a traveling dog – the dog may experience heatstroke, a critical, life-threatening condition.
Symptoms, in order of severity, which may quickly overlap:
Weakness, loss of balance, excessive panting (Dr. Mike Richards);
Noisy breathing that may indicate upper airway obstruction, bright red mucous membranes of the gums, tongue and conjunctiva of eyes (Dr. Primovic);
Warm dry skin, anxious expression, or a staring look (Animal Hospitals-usa);
Restlessness, lethargy, increased sweating, increased grooming activities done in an attempt to cool off, stumbling gait (PetMD);
Vomiting;
Collapse; seizures; coma; death.
From beginning to end, depending on the dog’s general condition, size, breed, etc., from the first warning signs to the end, death can occur in 20 minutes.
Prevention is always better than the cure. Be on the alert as a dog owner. If outdoor temperatures are rising, take preventative measures. Keep the dog in air conditioning or a cooled room. Give him plenty of cool water. Don’t allow him to stay outside too long at one time. Don’t ever leave a dog in a car on a warm day. “Closed car” cases of heatstroke are the most frequent causes of hyperthermia and preventable death.
Treatment includes trying to lower the dog’s internal temperature as quickly as possible, from 105 degrees down to 103 degrees, internal temp. That means taking the dog’s rectal temperature repeatedly during treatment. In all cases of suspected heatstroke, the dog should be transported to a vet, even if the dog seems to recover because some hyperthermic episodes cause unseen internal organ damage.
What to do when you see a dog in heat distress: Remove the dog from the heat source;
Get him into an air-conditioned or cool area;
Wet down the dog’s body with a gentle hose spray or cool, wet toweling, or by immersing the dog in cool (not cold) water;
Use fans if feasible;
And realize that most dogs will not drink while they are in distress.
Do not continue to use first-aid efforts to cool a dog’s body lower than 103 degrees because “further cooling may induce hypothermia and shock.” (PetMD)
Get your dog to a vet ASAP for continued treatment and stabilization. The vet may use cool water enemas and IV fluid therapy, among other things, to get the dog’s temperature back to normal as quickly as possible without causing further damage.
Sources:
Mike Richards, D.V.M. “Heat Stroke in Dogs.” Http://www.vetinfo.com/dheatstroke.html Retrieved 7-20-10.
