Heat Stroke Kills Silently and Swiftly
My-Dog.info > Dog Health
Heat stroke occurs when a pet's internal body temperature
rises to levels high enough to lead to death. For heat stroke to
occur, a combination of factors must come into play: a confined
space, poor ventilation, and high ambient temperatures, such as
that produced in direct sunlight. Approximately 70 per cent of
total body heat loss, in both dogs and man, occurs via the body
surface. As a result, continual air changes (i.e. good
ventilation) in the immediate surrounding area of the body are
essential in order to remain cool.
In dogs, heat is also released through panting. You will note
that a hot dog will have an enlarged tongue while panting. This
helps to increase the surface area through which heat can be
dissipated. Heat lost in this way can contribute to an increase
in the ambient temperature in an enclosed space. Lack of
ventilation increases the temperature without allowing the body
to effectively remove the excess heat.
Cats are better able to cope with high temperatures but only
within reason. They can usually tolerate higher body temperatures
because of their desert origins and their ability to cool
themselves through licking. Longhaired cats are less likely to
release heat than shorthaired cats.
There are a number of other factors besides ventilation that
can increase a pet's chances of getting heat stroke. Such
variables as the amount of sunshine, humidity, color of car, type
of seat covers, and wind factors all play some part. Health and
weight of the pet, the thickness of the hair coat, availability
of fresh water, recent feeding, and even a pet's own temperament
can elevate body temperature. For example, a pet that is anxious,
excited or frightened, or one that barks excessively, is more
likely to get heat stroke than one that is calm or quiet.
Brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs, Pekes, Bulldogs, etc. are
also more likely to have heat-related problems.
Heat stroke occurs when a pet has an extremely high body
temperature, usually more than 41 degrees C (106 degrees F).
Signs include rapid panting, warm dry skin, bright red gums,
vomiting, and an anxious expression or staring appearance.
Collapse, coma and death follow shortly thereafter.
An animal with heat stroke must have its body temperature
reduced quickly. Most effective is immediate immersion in a cold
water. If unavailable, hosing it down with a garden hose may be
effective. Ice packs should not be used because overcooling often
occurs. The skin should be massaged gently, and the legs flexed
frequently to encourage blood circulation. While this is being
done, it is essential that the pet be transported to a veterinary
hospital as quickly as possible.
Heat stroke can occur surprisingly fast, even when animals are
left for only short periods of time in cars with the windows
partially rolled down. Since prevention still remains the best
alternative, animals are best not left alone in unattended cars
or in a yard without shade and water in warm weather.
Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca
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