Chase Farm Veterinary Hospital
The Dangers of Heat Stroke
June 6, 2014By Dr. Messina
When a dog is exposed to high temperatures, heat stroke or heat exhaustion can result. Heat stroke is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Dogs do not sweat through their skin like humans – they release heat primarily by panting and they sweat through their foot pads and nose. If a dog cannot effectively expel heat, their internal body temperature begins to rise. Once the dog’s temperature reaches 106°, damage to the body’s organs may become irreversible.
Unfortunately, too many dogs succumb to heat stroke when it could have been easily avoided. Hopefully the below information will help you learn how to recognize the signs of heat stroke and prevent it from happening to your dog.
Signs of Heat Stroke
The following signs may indicate heat stroke in a dog:
- Increased rectal temperature (over 104° requires action, over 106° is a dire emergency)
- Vigorous panting or difficulty breathing
- Dark red gums
- Tacky or dry mucus membranes (specifically the gums)
- Lying down and unwilling (or unable) to get up
- Collapse and/or loss of consciousness
- Thick saliva
- Dizziness or disorientation
- Muscle tremors or seizures
What to do if You Suspect Heat Stroke
If you have even the slightest suspicion that your dog is suffering from heat stoke, you should take immediate action:
- First, move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.
- Begin cooling your dog by placing cool, wet rags or washcloths on the body – especially the foot pads and around the head.
- DO NOT use ice or very cold water! Extreme cold causes the blood vessels in the skin to constrict, preventing the body’s core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. When the body temperature reaches 103°, stop cooling.
- Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog’s mouth.
- Call or visit your vet right away – even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary (and further testing may be recommended). In many cases patients need to be hospitalized until their temperature stabilizes, and some pets may even need intensive care for several days if organ failure or severe complications have developed.
Preventing Heat Stroke
There are ways you can prevent heat stroke from happening in the first place.
- NEVER leave your dog alone in the car on a warm day, regardless of whether the windows are open. Even if the weather outside is not extremely hot, the inside of the car acts like an oven – temperatures can rise to dangerously high levels in a matter of minutes.
- Avoid vigorous exercise on warm days. When outside, opt for shady areas.
- Keep fresh cool water available at all times.
- Certain types of dogs are more sensitive to heat – especially obese dogs and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, like pugs and bulldogs. Use extreme caution when these dogs are exposed to heat.
Some dogs can recover fully from heat stroke if it is caught early enough. Others suffer permanent organ damage and can require lifelong treatment. Prevention is the key to keeping your dog safe in warmer weather.
If you have any further questions about this topic, or any concerns about your pet, please don’t hesitate to call us at Chase Farm Veterinary Hospital. (508) 995-9935
Not a client here? That’s ok! We are always happy to add new members to our Chase Farm family. Please call if you are interested in scheduling an appointment, and we would be happy to accommodate you and your pets’ needs as best we can. If you would like a complimentary hospital tour before, or at the time of your appointment, one of our friendly staff members are always happy to show you around.
Posted in Blizzards and Other Weather Emergencies, Emergencies, General, Pets and Warm Weather
I have heard conflicting answers about giving dogs ice water. Is it ok to cool down water with ice for dogs? My dog loves being outside even on hot days and she won’t drink room temperature water on days like today unless I put a couple ice cubes in it to cool it down.
Thanks for asking – that’s a great question! We have also seen the story that is circulating around the web regarding ice/ice water causing bloat in dogs, and while it sounds legitimate, it is untrue. Bloat is not directly attributed to giving your dog ice cubes or ice water, and they are fine for pets to consume as long as it’s done with some common sense. Bloat is a condition where a dog eats too much or too fast and sucks in air with the food or water, which fills the stomach with gas. The gas distended stomach then rotates on itself and becomes a surgical emergency. In most cases of bloat, the dog ate a meal very fast, then went out to run or play, which allows the stomach to fill with air and puts it at risk for flipping. If a dog is overheated or dehydrated, they will consume huge amounts of water all at once, which can create a situation where they may be more likely to bloat – but this is true for large amounts of any temperature water, not just iced. Consuming iced water or ice cubes in moderation will not cause bloat, and ice cubes in hot weather can actually be a helpful way to cool a hot dog while avoiding excessive water intake. To help prevent bloat, we recommend feeding several small meals a day instead of one large one, avoid drinking lots of water or eating a large amount of food very quickly, and avoid exercise for an hour after mealtime. Thank you for the comment! Hopefully this will help assuage any fears you or other pet owners may have about giving your pet a refreshing drink of ice water during the hot summer months. If you have any other questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to ask!
Dr. Messina