Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a condition arising from extremely high body temperature(rectal temperature of 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit), which leads to nervous system abnormalities, such as lethargy, weakness, collapse, or coma. Abnormally high body temperature develops after increased muscular activity with impaired ability to give off heat, due to high heat and humidity or respiratory obstruction. Allowing a dog to remain in a car with closed windows on a hot summer day is probably the most common cause of heat stroke.
Normally dogs dissipate heat from their skin. Panting allows evaporation of water from the respiratory tract and is an effective method of heat dissipation. When these mechanisms are overwhelmed, heat stroke usually develops. At temperatures greater than 109 degrees Fahrenheit, failure of vital organs and death can occur.
Heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps can occur after exposure to extremely high environmental temperatures. These illnesses occur in all mammals and can be prevented by taking proper precautions.

Animals at greatest risk for heat related illness include:

• Puppies up to 6 months of age
• Overweight dogs
• Dogs that are overexerted during exercise
• Dogs that are ill
• Dogs with short, wide heads, like pugs, English bulldogs, Boston terriers
• Dogs with heart disease
• Older pets (large breed dogs over 7 years, small breed dogs over 14 years)

What to watch for:

• Noisy breathing that may indicate upper airway obstruction
• Excessive panting
• Bright red mucous membranes(gums, conjunctiva of the eyes)
• Weakness
• Collapse
• Coma

Diagnostic tests are needed to assess the extent of vital organ dysfunction, including a complete physical exam, CBC(complete blood count) and serum profile, as well as coagulation tests.

Intensity of treatment depends on the severity of the heat illness, and could range from home care to hospitalization.

Heat stroke is a life threatening emergency! Check your dog's temperature rectally if you suspect heatstroke. Normal body temperature in dogs is 99.5-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Call your veterinarian and remove your dog from the heat source immediately!

There are several things that can prevent heat related problems for your dog:

• Monitor outdoor temperature and minimize your dog's activities on hot, humid days
• Limit sun exposure during the hours of 11 am to 3 pm on hot days
• Walk or exercise your dog in the morning or evening
• Keep your dog in a comfortable environment(air conditioned room or partially open windows with a breeze) during extremely hot weather
• NEVER leave your dog in a car for any reason at any time. Leaving dogs in a car during warm weather is the most common cause of heat stroke
• Provide your dog with plenty of fresh water and plenty of shade. Take extra care with puppies.
• Allow your dog to acclimate gradually to high temperatures