fatal. Other causes of heatstroke can include being confined in an exercise pen without fresh water in direct sunlight and dogs left in cages for an extended period of time with cage dryers unchecked. Water: Restricted access to water can cause overheating, as can not drinking enough water. Acclimation: Sudden change to a warmer climate can cause heat stress. How to Treat
Heatstroke Heatstroke
therapy
involves immediately trying to lower the dog’s body temperature. If you notice signs of heatstroke in your dog, it’s critical to stop any activity and help your dog cool down by: Walking or carrying the dog to a well-ventilated, cool area. Spraying or sponging the dog with cool (not cold) or tepid water, especially on the underside. Do not immerse the animal in cold water. Using a fan to blow cool air on them. If you have a rectal thermometer, you should take your dog’s temperature. According to Dr. John Hamil, DVM, if the temperature is less than 105 degrees F, you should still consider this an emergency and immediately take your dog to your veterinarian. If the temperature is higher than 105 degrees F, try to cool the dog down, and after a few minutes, retake the temperature. Don’t reduce the temperature below 103 degrees F, because the temperature may descend to critical levels. Bring your dog to your veterinarian as soon as the temperature reaches 103 degrees F or if you are unable to reduce the temperature significantly. Severely affected dogs require fluids, medication, support, and oxygen. Complications may not occur immediately, so it’s important to let your veterinarian determine the type of follow-up treatment required. Prevention Is the Best Medicine Immediate action and correct treatment are so important because they can mean the difference between a swift and complete recovery and long-term complications. Some veterinarians also advise that once a dog has
experienced heatstroke, it is more likely to reoccur.
Our dogs live to please us, and if we ask them to jog or hike or play catch, they’ll do it with enthusiasm, even on the hottest days. So it’s up to you to keep the weather in mind and limit the time your dog exercises in the heat. Choose cooler times of day for play or training sessions. Always provide plenty of cool fresh water, shade, and frequent rest periods when it’s hot. And never leave your dog in the car. They may miss you, but they’ll be better off waiting for you at home.
Information sourced from “How Hot Is Too Hot? Heatstroke in Dogs” – American Kennel Club (akc.org)
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