Heatstroke in Pets
My-Dog.info > Dog Health
by Capt. Tracy H. Pierce 6/43rd Medical Detachment,
Veterinary Services, Fort Polk, La.
Summer is here and with it comes heat. Everyone knows how
important it is to drink water and limit exercise to prevent heat
injury. But did you know that pets are susceptible to heatstroke?
Heatstroke is a potentially deadly injury that is easy to
prevent. Here is some information to determine if your pet is at
risk and how to prevent heatstroke.
What is heatstroke?
Heatstroke occurs when an animal's core body temperature
reaches 104.9 to 109.4 degrees Fahrenheit after exposure to
ambient temperatures. (Normal body temperature is 101.5 to 103.5
degrees Fahrenheit.) Most commonly this occurs when an animal is
confined in an overheated automobile or kept outdoors on hot,
sunny days without adequate shelter. Exercising or overexertion
in hot, humid weather can also lead to heatstroke.
Animals will seek shelter and assume body postures to
facilitate cooling. Unlike people, animals lack significant sweat
production for evaporative cooling and rely upon panting for heat
loss.
How do you know if your pet has heatstroke?
Initially you may notice rapid panting, a fast heartbeat,
confusion, and dry, red mucous membranes (look at tongue and
gums).
Later, as symptoms worsen, you may see depression, gray mucous
membranes, vomiting and diarrhea. Eventually there may be
seizures, coma and even death.
What do you do if you think your pet has overheated and is in
danger of heatstroke?
First, move the animal out of the sun and heat. Bring the pet
to the veterinarian immediately. If available, use the air
conditioner in the car to help cool the animal on the way to the
veterinarian.
It is important to start treating the animal as soon as
possible to prevent organ damage and death.
If you can't get to the vet immediately, take steps to cool
the pet.
Soaking the pet's coat with cool water and providing a fan
maximizes evaporative cooling. Be careful not to cool the animal
too much. While cooling, take the animal's temperature every five
minutes to prevent hypothermia (overcooling). When the
temperature reaches 103 degrees Fahrenheit, stop the cooling
process.
As soon as possible, bring the pet to the vet for further
evaluation and treatment. This is important because your pet may
be dehydrated and need intravenous fluids or other medical
treatment for organ injury. This can occur up to several days
after the event.
Some tips to prevent heatstroke:
- Never confine your pet in a car during warm months.
- Check outdoor storage areas before closing them to ensure
pets aren't locked inside.
- Provide outdoor shade.
- Always have fresh, clean water available.
- If you exercise with your pet, do so during early morning
or late evening hours.
- See your veterinarian regularly for physical examinations
and vaccinations, since an underlying disease such as
obesity or heart disease can increase an animal's risk
for heatstroke.
For more information, contact your veterinarian.
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