HEAT STROKE PREVENTION

Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that can be prevented with proper care and awareness. This dangerous condition happens when an animal’s body temperature gets too high, and the animal cannot cool down.

The risk of developing heat stroke increases when the weather is hot, especially if your pet has to spend time outside without adequate shelter from the sun. Dogs and cats do not have a very effective way of cooling off, as people do by sweating.

Dogs and cats primarily cool themselves through panting, which allows moisture to evaporate from the respiratory tract. If this method does not work, their body temperature will go up quickly, which can cause organs to become damaged and, in extreme situations, kill.

Causes

Heat Stroke generally occurs when an animal is exposed to extreme temperatures or cannot cool itself adequately.

Some of the most common reasons that contribute to heat stroke are:

• Dogs left in cars or vehicles (even for a few minutes)
• Prolonged exposure to high temperatures without adequate shade or shelter
• No access to adequate amounts of clean drinking water
• Vigorous exercise during hot or humid weather
• Bad ventilation in small spaces
• Confinement in poorly ventilated spaces or crates

All pets can be susceptible to heat stress, but some breeds are much more likely than others. The flat-faced breeds, such as pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats, etc., have many more health issues associated with heat due to their anatomy. Also, overweight dogs, older dogs, and dogs with pre-existing medical problems such as heart or breathing problems are all more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Symptoms

Identifying early signs of heat stroke is important because if it isn’t recognized immediately, heat stroke can cause serious harm in a short amount of time.

Initial Signs

• Panting excessively
• Restless, anxious behavior
• Faster than normal heart rate
• More drool than usual
• Looking for cooler areas, like the shade

Worsening Symptoms

• Your pet becomes weak and falls over
• Increased body temperature
• Your pet vomits or has diarrhea
• Disoriented; confused
• Gums are bright red or pale pink
• Has seizures
• Loses consciousness.

Risks

Heat stroke can cause a lot of pressure on the body and could be lethal in a short time if it isn’t addressed right away.

Major Complications

The high body temperatures caused by heat stroke can be very damaging to many of your vital organs, which include:

• Brain swelling, or neurological problems
• Kidney failure
• Liver damage
• Abnormal blood coagulation
• Heart problems

Pets that have survived heat stroke may also develop long term medical problems with their bodies if they are treated late.

Diagnosis

Heat Stroke diagnosis is based upon the clinical presentation and measuring a pet’s body temperature.

Diagnosis is based on a history of heat exposure, compatible clinical signs, and an elevated body temperature, although some pets may have begun cooling before veterinary evaluation.

Depending on the degree of internal damage, further testing may be conducted to evaluate organ function. Examples include blood tests for evaluating liver, kidney and electrolyte status.

Treatment

Improve the animal’s chances of survival by providing initial first-aid for heatstroke before you get it to a vet.

Immediate First Aid

While arranging immediate veterinary care:

• Move your dog to a cool and shaded area
• Give your dog only small sips of water that have been cooled slightly, but not turned into ice.
• Apply some of the same water to your dog’s body, particularly its paws, stomach, and neck.
• If there are fans available, use them to blow air across your dog’s body to try to reduce its body temperature.

Do NOT put ice or cold water on your dog, as the rapid constriction of blood vessels will impede your dog from being able to cool itself down.

Veterinary Treatment

When at the vet’s office, treatment will be primarily focused on trying to prevent further injury to your dog’s organs by keeping your dog stable until they have finished cooling.

The possible treatments include:

• Controlled cooling measures with close monitoring of body temperature
• Intravenous fluids and oxygen when needed
• Drug therapy for seizures and other potential problems
• Testing the pet’s blood to determine how well the various organs are functioning.

Prevention

Preventing heat strokes in pets is much less expensive and easier than treatment. Simple precautions can prevent your pet’s death from heat stroke.

Key Preventive Measures

• Never leave a pet in a car.
• Avoid walking a dog at its hottest time of day (usually around noon).
• Provide your pet with constant access to cold, clean drinking water.
• Create shaded and ventilated places for your pet to rest.
• Limit all physical activity when the temperature or humidity is high.

High Risk Pet Care

As you would expect, certain pets are at higher risk for developing heat-related illness. Brachycephalic breeds, obese pets, and geriatric animals require additional care to protect them from heat related illnesses. Keep these pets in an environment that remains as cool as possible and limit their exposure to potential causes of heat stress.