Heat Stroke

With local record-setting temperatures in the mid-90 degrees Fahrenheit the past couple of days, we need to revisit a common summer emergency for dogs (and to a lesser degree, cats).

Heat stroke can kill.
Without timely intervention, heat stroke can lead to complications such as bleeding disorder (DIC), liver failure, kidney failure, seizures, and death.

Heat stroke is preventable.

Heat stroke occurs with extremely high body temperature, reaching 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal body temperatures for dogs range from 99.5 to 102.5 F. Normal dogs cool themselves by losing heat from their skin (i.e. spreading out on their "belly" on the cool tile floor) or panting. Heat stroke may develop when dogs cannot give off heat (either from panting or from their skin) due to high heat and humidity or respiratory obstruction. The most common cause is probably from being in a car on a hot summer day with poor air circulation (closed or "cracked" windows).

NEVER leave your dog in a car unattended. And if you stay behind in the car with your dog, do not assume your dog can tolerate the heat because you can. Some dogs are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses:
- Puppies less than 6 months old may not have fully developed the ability to regulate their body temperature.
- Overweight dogs
- Brachycephalic breed (i.e. Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers)
- Dogs that are ill or with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease or respiratory conditions.

Hot days can cause heat-related problems such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion (prostration). They are not as bad as heat stroke but can still be debilitating to your dogs. It may be best to leave your best friends at home while you do your errands during the hot summer months.

Other things you can do to minimize risks of heat-related problems for your dogs:
- Walk or exercise your dog in the morning or evening. Avoid the warmer hours between 11 am and 4 pm on hot days.
- Minimize your dog's activities on hot or humid days. Keep him/her in a comfortable environment --- air conditioned, if possible, or in a room with open windows and fans.
- If your dog has to be outside, make sure water and plenty of shade is available at all times. Remember, in humid environments, the perceived temperature will be hotter than the thermometer reading; dogs will have a more difficult time cooling themselves.
- If your dog likes water, a kiddie or wading pool in the yard is a good cooling and playtime device. Make sure water level is not above your dog's head (especially if you have small dogs). Spraying with a water hose will also provide some heat relief. TIP: Get your dog used to the water by trickling water from the hose onto the feet and slowly work up the legs and body.
- Know your dog and factors that may make him/her more susceptible to heat stress (brachycephalic breeds, easily over-excited, etc...).

Signs of heat stroke:
- Excessive panting and/or noisy breathing
- Bright red gingiva (gums) or conjunctiva of the eyes
- Hypersalivation or thick saliva from the mouth
- Weakness and/or collapse
The most important sign, though, is recognizing the environment that may have lead to heat stroke. There are other medical conditions that can cause the above signs. So if you find your dog with the above signs while he/she is in a cool area, do not assume and treat for heat stroke. Get him/her to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

If your dog suffers from heat stroke or experiences extreme heat-related problems:

1) Remove your dog from the confined area (car, crate, dog house) and move him/her to the shade or, if indoors, direct a fan over him/her. Most heat stroke occurs in areas with poor air circulation.

2) If possible, take your dog's rectal temperature and record. Knowing the initial temperature helps confirm the heat stroke diagnosis as well as assist in the treatment or cooling process.

3) Cool your dog with tepid water. If you have a small dog, you can fill the sink with tap water and immerse him/her up to the back (no need to get the head wet and scare him/her). For larger dogs, you can hose the body. DO NOT USE COLD OR ICE WATER. Even though it seems like a good idea, cold water actually slows down the cooling of the internal structures or core body temperature. Cold water causes superficial blood vessels to constrict and prevent heat from escaping. You can apply cold towels to areas with good blood circulation i.e. neck, armpits and inguinal areas (groin). Just those areas, not the whole body. Do NOT overcool; stop the cooling when the rectal temperature reaches 103 F to 104 F. If you don't have a thermometer, consider cooling the body with tepid water for about 10 minutes (or during the time it takes someone else to get the cold wet towels for the car ride and calling the veterinarian or emergency clinic to alert them). You can also apply rubbing alcohol
to the footpads, armpits, and groin for evaporative cooling.

4) Allow him/her to drink a small amount of water if he/she is alert enough to drink; no more than several laps at a time. Do NOT force water into his/her mouth.

5) Transport your dog to your family veterinarian or nearest emergency veterinary hospital as soon as possible. During transport:
- Do NOT cover your dog; not even with a wet towel. The cover prevents heat from escaping; apply the cold towels or rubbing alcohol to the armpits or groin instead.
- Unless you have an open wired crate, do NOT transport your dog in a carrier or crate. If possible, have someone sit and hold him/her in the back seat.
- Leave windows down and air conditioning or fan on high to allow evaporation to help with the cooling process.

Heat stroke stimulates the body to release inflammatory substances that can affect many organs and systems in the body. Even if you successfully cool your dog, it is best if he/she is evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible to avoid any potential complications.

Heat stroke is one of the most heart-wrenching emergencies because of its many dramatic and life-threatening consequences. That it is very much a preventable tragedy makes it even more devastating.

Heat stroke is avoidable.
Please take steps to ensure a safe summer for everyone in your family.