Heatstroke In Dogs
What Is Heatstroke? When a dog’s internal body temperature goes above a normal temperature of 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit (F), this is a fever and is called hyperthermia. When the body temperature is above 105 degrees F, the dog may be suffering from heatstroke.
hyperventilates, and dehydration becomes more severe. Pupils dilate, the pulse becomes more irregular, and the dog has muscle tremors. They may become lethargic and unwilling to move, urinate or defecate uncontrollably, collapse, and become comatose.
Dogs have only a couple of ways to cool off—blood vessel expansion and panting. When dogs pant, they evaporate moisture from their tongues, nasal passages, and the lining of their lungs, and this cools them down as air passes over the moist tissue. They also cool off via vasodilation. Blood vessels, especially in the ears and face, expand, bringing overheated blood closer to the surface to cool down. The bottom surfaces of paws can sweat, but not enough to make a difference. “Heatstroke usually occurs when high
ambient temperature overcomes the dog’s ability to dissipate heat. The degree of damage is determined by how high a body temperature is reached and how long the animal is exposed,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC. Signs to Watch Out For Heatstroke in dogs is life-threatening and can also result in very serious complications. Recognizing early signs of heatstroke may help you remedy the condition before things get too serious. Early signs of heatstroke include heavy panting and rapid breathing, excessive drooling, dry mucous membranes, bright red gums and tongue, skin that’s hot to the touch, and a higher heart rate. Affected dogs become hyperactive and may have difficulty maintaining balance. As exposure to excessive heat goes on, the dog’s condition worsens and includes signs of shock, pale mucous membranes with white or blue gums, a very rapid heart rate, and a drop in blood pressure. The dog
Why Does Heatstroke Occur? Heatstroke generally occurs during the hottest part of the year, especially when it is humid. Contributing factors include: Breed: Heatstroke can be seen in all breeds, but may be more likely in certain breeds, including longhaired and brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs. Age: Very young dogs, as well as older dogs, are more susceptible. Physical fitness: Dogs that are out of shape are vulnerable when they exert a great deal of energy in excessively hot surroundings. Weight: Overweight and obese dogs are more likely to suffer. Medical disorders: Hypothyroidism, cardiac disease, and laryngeal paralysis also contribute to heatstroke. Environment: The most common cause of heatstroke in dogs is confinement in a closed automobile. The ambient temperature inside a closed car can become dangerously high in a matter of minutes, and the results can be
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