Signs of Temperature Stress and Illness Below are observable signs that dogs show when they are experiencing temperature-related stress and illness.
Heat Stress
Cold Stress
Excessive panting, salivation, or thirst
Low rectal temperature: • 90–99 ºF = needs immediate care Mental depression, lethargy, weakness Shivering or muscle stiffness Reduced heart rate and blood pressure Reduced breathing rate, shallow breathing
Restlessness, anxiety Generalized weakness
Heat Stroke
Hypothermia
Low rectal temperature: • 82–90 ºF = moderate hypothermia; needs immediate care • <82 ºF = severe hypothermia; dire emergency Stupor Inaudible heart sounds Labored breathing
High rectal temperature: • 104 ºF = moderate heat stroke; needs immediate care • 106 ºF = severe heat stroke dire emergency Vigorous or uncontrollable panting Dark red, tacky, or dry gums and mucous membranes Thick salivation/foam at the mouth Vomiting and/or bloody diarrhea Dehydration
Preventing Temperature Stress and Illness in Dogs Despite housing dogs according to the requirements outlined on the previous page, they may still experience temperature-related stress or illness. To ensure your dogs’ health and well-being, you must also consider their ages, breeds, overall health status, acclimation to the local environment, and humidity. You must take appropriate actions if they are showing signs of cold or heat stress. Factors That Increase a Dog’s Risk for Temperature Stress or Illness Humidity over 70 percent (especially when combined with high temperatures) Poor body condition (over/under weight) Age (elderly dogs and dogs under 6 months) Pregnancy and nursing Injuries and debilitating medical conditions (especially a heart condition) Breed (short-nosed breeds, such as the Pug, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, various bulldogs, and others, are less heat tolerant; smaller, short-legged breeds and short-hair or hairless breeds are less cold tolerant) Dehydration (can inhibit a dog’s ability to regulate its own body temperature) Acclimation (it can take anywhere from 7 to 60 days for a healthy dog to acclimate to temperatures outside the required range)
Unconsciousness/coma Fixed and dilated pupils Death
Unwilling/unable to rise Trembling, dizziness, or disorientation
Collapse, unconsciousness, coma, seizures, and death
Discuss with your attending veterinarian how you can prevent temperature stress, heat stroke, and hypothermia in your dogs. If a dog shows any of the signs listed above, contact your attending veterinarian immediately and follow their instructions. For More Information Animal Care Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service U.S. Department of Agriculture 2150 Centre Avenue, Building B, Mailstop 3W11 Fort Collins, CO 80526 (970) 494-7478 animalcare@usda.gov
www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-welfare
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. APHIS-22-031 ▪ Issued July 2022
Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 44
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