Heat Related Illness

Frostbite and hypothermia can affect out pets during the winter and in cold climates, but what about heat stroke? Pets have no way of telling us that they are overheated. Heat stroke happens when an animal’s body temperature reaches over 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Celsius. Once the body has exceeded 41.5 degrees Celsius or 106.7 degrees Fahrenheit, cellular function is seriously affected and death may follow. Heat stroke can occur in environments of high humidity or high heat.  

Some possible situations where a pet is put at risk of heat stroke can be easily avoided. First, never leave a pet outdoors without adequate shade and access to plenty of clean water for drinking. Avoid exercising your pet outdoors in hot temperatures, even if you have plenty of water. We have all seen pets left in cars on hot days with the windows slightly down. Even though the windows are down, this can still be a deadly situation for the pet. Panting helps the animal cool itself, but at the same time, causes the water vapor (that is made from the saliva saturating the air) to heat the vehicle even more. It is also important to not muzzle your dog, and avoid places where he/she does not paticularly need to be, such as fairs, parades, and beaches where there may not be sufficient shade and the heat is easily reflected. An easy way to keep your animal cool (and easily accessible to him/her), is to keep them in an air conditioned home, or even freezing water in water bottles (or putting a few ice cubes in a sealable bag) and wrap them in a towel to place around the house/ pet area for the animal to lay on.

Some dogs that are particularly affected by high temperatures are young and old dogs, and those with thicker coats, such as German Shepherds and Huskies. Also animals with pre-existing medical conditions such as cardiopulmonary disease, or history of seizures, should never be exposed to high heat or humidity (also young or old pets). The structure of an animal’s face may also make them more susceptible to heat stroke. Animals such as Pekinese, Bull dogs or Persian cats, that have shorter snouts, naturally have harder time breathing, thus making it even more difficult during hot weather.

Some common signs of heat stroke are panting, sweating, drooling, and difficulty breathing. More extreme signs are vomiting, bloody diarrhea, high heart and respiratory rates, dehydration, shock, seizures and coma. Also look for an increased body temperature, bright red mucous membranes, and a very fast capillary refill rate (press the gum above the canine tooth until it becomes white and release. The time it takes to turn back to red/pink should take less than 1 second.)

If your pet shows signs of heat stroke the main objective is to get the body temperature cooled back down to normal. First, if the animal is in direct sunlight or heat, or in a car, bring it to a cool and/or shaded area. Check for the ABC’s of CPR (check the Airway; look, listen, feel for Breath; check the pulse for Circulation). If the animal is in shock and needs CPR, administer it. Another way, to cool down the animal is to use water. If a hose is unavailable, use any means necessary to wet the animal. If possible, put water soaked, towels on the head, feet, chest and abdomen.

If you are in a vehicle, put the air conditioner on high while you drive straight to a veterinarian’s office. If necessary, have someone accompany you in case the animal requires CPR or other first aid until the veterinarian is reached. If the occurrence happens at home, try to place the animal in a tub of cool water or under a cool running shower.

It is important to keep taking the animal’s temperature every 5 minutes. When the body has gone back down to normal, (100.5 F – 102.5 F) stop cooling. It is very important not to let the animal’s drop too low or hypothermia (body temperature below normal) may occur. Even though your animal may appear back to normal, it is very important to seek veterinary care as heat stroke may cause harm to internal organs which may not show up for hours or days after the occurrence of the heat stroke.

The author of this article assumes no liability for misdiagnosis. This article is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional veterinary attention. In case of emergency, contact the Animal Poison Control Center  888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435)