Detect & Prevent Heat Stroke in your Pet

The summer heat is officially here!

While that means lots of fun activities outdoors, be sure to be extra careful when

including your canine companions. Dogs can quickly suffer from “heat stroke” or extremely high body temperatures. A dog’s normal temperature is between 99-103 degrees; heat stroke occurs when body temperatures are at or above 106 degrees. When the dog overheats, the blood vessels dilate in attempt to cool the body and the heart beats faster. This leads to low blood pressure, shock, and then death of organ tissues. Treatment can be costly and may not be effective, depending on extent of damage. In one study, 50% of dogs with heat stroke did not survive despite treatment. We want to avoid this becoming an issue for your pet, so below are some tips on how to enjoy the heat safely!

1. Don’t leave your pet outside during the day for extended periods of times. It is especially important that when your pet is outside that they have access to water and shade. Remember, dogs do not have the same type of sweat glands that we do, so they can only pant so much to compensate for the heat
2. Don’t leave your pet confined in the sun. Many heatstroke deaths occur due to dogs being left in hot cars. It can get incredibly hot inside a car on a sunny day very quickly. It is best to leave your dog at home in the AC if you will be running errands that require you to leave them in the car.
3. Be extra cautious if your animal is a breed at increased risk of heat stroke. Some breeds have a harder time panting properly to compensate for the heat. These breeds have short snouts (“brachycephalic”) and include shih tzus, bull dogs, pugs, and boxers.
4. Exercise with caution! Even if your dog is usually a great running mate, try to limit exercise to cooler times of the day. Dawn and dusk are good times to consider a walk or run in the summer. The other perk is that the concrete or asphalt is not as hot at these times- remember that dogs can burn their pads when the ground is too hot!
5. Dogs can get heatstroke even when swimming or playing on the beach. It’s great if your pet enjoys playing in the water, just be sure to limit their play time and give them a break in the shade or AC!
6. Consider the age and health of your pet. Very young pets and senior pets may not be able to tolerate the heat as well as healthy adult dogs might. Dogs with heart or lung disease will have a harder time in the heat as well. 

If you think your pet might have heat stroke, do not delay in contacting your vet! Your vet will be your best resource for helping you decide appropriate next steps if your dog is suffering from heat stroke.  Some signs that may indicate your pet is suffering from heat stroke include: 

• Heavy/ excessive panting
• Lethargy
• Unresponsive
• Dark red gums
• Rapid heart beat

If you have specific questions on your pets and their exposure to heat this summer, please contact your vet. We hope you have a happy and safe summer with your pets!

If you have specific questions on your pets and their exposure to heat this summer, please contact your vet. We hope you have a happy and safe summer with your pets!

Reference:

Bruchim Y, Klement E, Saragusty J, et al: Heat stroke in dogs: A retrospective study of 54 cases (1999-2004) and analysis of risk factors for death. J Vet Intern Med 2006 Vol 20 (1) pp. 38-46.

http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_dg_heat_stroke

article written by:

Erin Walsh, DVM

Companion Animal Hospital Mount Prospect

Know the Signs: Heatstroke in Dogs

The summer heat is officially here!

While that means lots of fun activities outdoors, be sure to be extra careful when including your canine companions. Dogs can quickly suffer from “heat stroke” or extremely high body temperatures. A dog’s normal temperature is between 99-103 degrees; heat stroke occurs when body temperatures are at or above 106 degrees. When the dog overheats, the blood vessels dilate in attempt to cool the body and the heart beats faster. This leads to low blood pressure, shock, and then death of organ tissues. Treatment can be costly and may not be effective, depending on extent of damage. In one study, 50% of dogs with heat stroke did not survive despite treatment. We want to avoid this becoming an issue for your pet, so below are some tips on how to enjoy the heat safely!

1. Don’t leave your pet outside during the day for extended periods of times. It is especially important that when your pet is outside that they have access to water and shade. Remember, dogs do not have the same type of sweat glands that we do, so they can only pant so much to compensate for the heat
2. Don’t leave your pet confined in the sun. Many heatstroke deaths occur due to dogs being left in hot cars. It can get incredibly hot inside a car on a sunny day very quickly. It is best to leave your dog at home in the AC if you will be running errands that require you to leave them in the car.
3. Be extra cautious if your animal is a breed at increased risk of heat stroke. Some breeds have a harder time panting properly to compensate for the heat. These breeds have short snouts (“brachycephalic”) and include shih tzus, bull dogs, pugs, and boxers.
4. Exercise with caution! Even if your dog is usually a great running mate, try to limit exercise to cooler times of the day. Dawn and dusk are good times to consider a walk or run in the summer. The other perk is that the concrete or asphalt is not as hot at these times- remember that dogs can burn their pads when the ground is too hot!
5. Dogs can get heatstroke even when swimming or playing on the beach. It’s great if your pet enjoys playing in the water, just be sure to limit their play time and give them a break in the shade or AC!
6. Consider the age and health of your pet. Very young pets and senior pets may not be able to tolerate the heat as well as healthy adult dogs might. Dogs with heart or lung disease will have a harder time in the heat as well. 

If you think your pet might have heat stroke, do not delay in contacting your vet! Your vet will be your best resource for helping you decide appropriate next steps if your dog is suffering from heat stroke.  Some signs that may indicate your pet is suffering from heat stroke include: 

• Heavy/ excessive panting
• Lethargy
• Unresponsive
• Dark red gums
• Rapid heart beat

If you have specific questions on your pets and their exposure to heat this summer, please contact your vet. We hope you have a happy and safe summer with your pets!

If you have specific questions on your pets and their exposure to heat this summer, please contact your vet. We hope you have a happy and safe summer with your pets!

Reference:

Bruchim Y, Klement E, Saragusty J, et al: Heat stroke in dogs: A retrospective study of 54 cases (1999-2004) and analysis of risk factors for death. J Vet Intern Med 2006 Vol 20 (1) pp. 38-46.

http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_dg_heat_stroke

article written by:

Erin Walsh, DVM

Companion Animal Hospital Mount Prospect

How to Prevent and Detect Heat Stroke in Pets

How to Prevent and Detect Heat Stroke in Pets 

Summer is a time to have a great time with your pets outdoors.  There are countless activities we do with our four legged friends.  However, when the temperature rises, the risk for heat related illness increases as well.  Heat stroke occurs when your pet’s body can’t sufficiently cool itself in very warm conditions.  It can occur in any animal, but there are some predisposing factors to be aware of:

• Brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers, etc)
• Long haired or thick coated animals
• Older animals with preexisting disease (laryngeal paralysis, heart disease, dehydration, hyperthyroidism)

• Obesity

Heat stroke is a potentially life threatening issue and successful treatment is predicated on early recognition of the symptoms.  The main goal of treatment is immediate correction of the elevated temperature.  The effects of elevated body temperature can compromise various major organs in the body.  For this reason, heat stroke is considered an emergency situation, and, if suspected you should take your pet to your veterinarian immediately.  Signs and symptoms to monitor for (especially in animals with risk factors, on hot days, or in situations that may cause heat related problems) include:

• Panting
• Abnormal gum color (bright red, pale or blue in color)
• Collapse
• Elevated body temperature (over 103 F)
• Respiratory distress
• Change in mentation- seizure, coma
• Muscle tremors

Heat stroke is better prevented than treated.   Common sense will go a long way in preventing heat related issues with your pet.  Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest times on a very hot day.  Do not leave your pet in a car for any period of time when the temperature is high and the sun is out.  If your pet spends time outside, make sure they have the ability to get out of the direct sunlight and provide plenty of clean, fresh water to drink.  Above all, if you believe your pet may be having heat related problems, early diagnosis and treatment is key and will increase the chances of a successful outcome.  Have a safe enjoyable summer with your pets!

article written by:

Derek Williamson, DVM

Companion Animal Hospital Vernon Hills and Crawford Animal Hospital