Heavy, labored panting is one of the most common signs of heat stroke. ChinKS/Getty Images A dog can get heat stroke if their body temperature rises to 105°F or higher. Some signs of heat stroke are heavy panting, excessive drooling, and bright red gums.
If your dog shows any of these signs, take them to a cooler area and mist them with water. A dog’s normal body temperature can be anywhere between 100. 5 and 102.
5°F. They develop heat stroke if their body temperature rises to the point that they can’t regulate it anymore, which is about 105°F or higher. According to Erica Reineke, associate professor of emergency and critical care at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, there are two causes of heat stroke in dogs, namely:Exertional heat due to strenuous physical activity, orEnvironmental heat from exposure to hot and humid conditionsJust like in humans, heat stroke is life-threatening for dogs because it may cause widespread organ damage.
Keep in mind that thick-coated and overweight dogs are at a higher risk for heat stroke. Here are the symptoms of heat stroke dog owners should watch out for and when to see a vet immediately. Symptoms of heat stroke in dogsPanting is normal because it is the main way dogs regulate their body temperature.
But according to Brian Collins, senior lecturer and senior chief of Community Practice Service at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, you should suspect heat stroke if the panting:Seems more intense than usual, with heavier, more labored breathsIs associated with being out in the sun for prolonged periodsHappens after intense or overly strenuous physical activityOccurs while they are in a very hot environment, like inside a carAside from heavy panting, watch out for the other early signs of heat stroke, such as:Excessive droolingBright red gums and tongueSkin that is hot to the touchDogs most at risk of heat strokeAny dog can develop heat stroke, but some are particularly at risk for it, says Reineke, including:Military or police dogs working in hot environmentsOverweight or obese dogsBrachycephalic or “flat-faced” dogs such as boxers, bulldogs, and pugsDogs with very thick coats like Alaskan huskiesDogs who have a history of heat strokeHow to help your dogIt’s important to lower your dog’s body temperature gradually to help them adjust from extreme heat. According to Reineke and Collins, keep the following things in mind when trying to help a dog with signs of heat stroke:DOs:DON’Ts:Place your dog in front of a fan or inside an air-conditioned room. Immerse your dog in cold water because too rapid cooling may result in shock.
Mist your dog with room temperature or cool water. Place wet towels on top of your dog, which can trap heat against the skin. Offer small amounts of room temperature or cool water if your dog is alert and not vomiting.
Force water into your dog’s mouth if they don’t want to drink because they might choke. When to see a vet immediatelyReineke recommends seeking veterinary care immediately if your dog exhibits the following symptoms:Unmanageable vomiting and diarrheaDisorientation or abnormal mental awarenessSeizuresWeakness or collapseUnconsciousnessKeep performing cooling measures on your way to the veterinary hospital. Mist your dog with cool water, turn on air conditioning, and roll down the windows for a breeze, Collins says.
When you arrive, the vet will continue the cooling process — which can include shaving dogs with heavy coats, if necessary — and do a full assessment, he adds. According to Collins and Reineke, having the dog’s organs exposed to dangerously high temperatures puts them at risk of the following:Low blood pressureLow blood sugarHeart arrhythmiasBlood clotting disordersSystemic inflammationMultiple organ dysfunction syndromeDogs may require various treatments like intravenous fluids, antibiotics, pain relief, or other medications depending on their condition, Collins says. How to prevent heat strokeTo prevent your dog from having a heat stroke, remember the following tips:Avoid the hottest times of the day.
Consider walking your dog early in the morning or late in the day when temperatures are cooler, Reineke says. “If it feels hot to you, it is hot to them,” she adds. Provide access to shade and water.
Dogs should always have access to shade and plenty of fresh water, Collins says. You can also provide a shallow pool outside the house during play time to allow them to cool off when needed, he adds. Stay indoors during extreme heat events.
During days of extremely high temperatures, keep your dog cool indoors with fans or air conditioning. Never leave your dog unattended in a car. Temperatures become dangerously hot within minutes even when you think it’s not that hot outside, Reineke says.
“It is helpful to remember that most dogs are wearing a permanent fur coat and that they are unable to cool off to any significant degree by sweating as their people do,” Collins says. Insider’s takeawayYour dog might be experiencing a heat stroke if you see them panting and drooling excessively after intense physical activity or exposure to a hot and humid environment. You can help them lower their temperature by putting them in front of a fan and misting their body with water.
If your dog has uncontrollable vomiting and diarrhea, disorientation, and seizures, take them to the vet to seek immediate medical care. Read the original article on Insider.
From: insider
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