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Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by Thee Puppypreneur
WHAT IS HEAT STROKE IN DOGS
In this article we will discuss what is heat stroke in dogs, what are the signs of heat stroke in dogs, tips on how to prevent heat stroke in dogs and more.
Heat stroke in dogs is called hyperthermia. Normal dogs body temperature can range from 101 degrees to 102.5 degrees.
This can vary slightly up or down depending on if they are hypothyroid or if they are excited or stressed which can elevate the temperature in circumstances such as visiting the vet.
Under 100 degrees can signify hypothermia and over 103.5 is considered hyperthermia or heat stroke and is a medical emergency.
HOW DO DOGS GET HEAT STROKE
Certain breeds can have a harder time when the weather is hotter outside and precautions should be taken. Even if you’re a responsible pet owner you may not know that overweight dogs and dogs with smushed faces like pugs or bulldogs can actually have a harder time in the heat and be more prone to having sunstroke in dogs or heat exhaustion in dogs.
They are actually at risk more so because of the harder time they might have breathing in such weather. This is due to the structure of their airways.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OR SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE IN DOGS
IF YOU SUSPECT HEAT STROKE IN DOGS, TAKE YOUR DOG TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY AS THIS COULD RESULT IN NEUROLOGIC DISORDERS, SEIZURES AND ORGAN FAILURE.
Some symptoms of heat stroke in dogs or signs of heat stroke in dogs can include some of the following; (keep in mind this is not all of the symptoms)
- Panting
- Drooling
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of coordination
HOW IS HEAT STROKE IN DOGS DIAGNOSED
Heat stroke in dogs is usually diagnosed based on presenting clinical signs. Also,
- Physical Examination
- CBC
- Serum Chemistry
- Urinalysis
Veterinarians will check your dog’s organ functions and also check for dehydration as well as glucose levels.
HOW IS HEAT STROKE IN DOGS TREATED
Heatstroke in dogs is treated by monitoring your dog’s fluid and electrolyte balance and give he will receive IV fluids accordingly is the bare minimum.
Depending on the results of your dog’s lab test, what symptoms your dog is showing and whether or not any organs were affected or there are any other issues will depend on how they treat your dog.
Even though your dog may have had its core temperature lowered and be ok to return home after heat stroke you will still need to monitor your dog carefully for complications that could develop up to a week after.
If you see symptoms again od heat stroke in dogs in the following week such as vomiting, bloody diarrhea or jaundice just to name a few then these are symptoms of another complication, and you must notify your vet immediately.
HEAT STROKE IN DOGS AT HOME REMEDY
DO’S
Cooling down your dog if it has heatstroke is of the utmost importance as progression of heat stroke in dogs can result in organ damage. You want to remove your dog from any humid environment and keep them out of the sun.
You want to place fans on your dog and wet their coat with cool water, this allows for evaporative cooling to take place. Pay attention to their underside making sure you cool them down by their armpits, back leg joints and their underbelly.
DON’T
You don’t want to shock your dog with ice baths or cool them down too fast. You want to monitor your dog’s core temp.
GET A THERMOMETER
I prefer to use a rectal thermometer to check my dog’s temperature such as this
Amazon.com : iProven Pet Thermometer (Termometro) for Accurate Fever Detection, Suitable for Cats/Dogs, Waterproof Pet Thermometer, Fast and Accurate Measurements in 20 Seconds – DT-K117 : Pet Supplies
The reason being is that I have used the touchless ear thermometers and find them to be very inaccurate and unreliable.
You can literally put those touchless thermometers in the same spot on the ear and receive 98 temps then 102 temps. At least the one I had bought in the past was unreliable.
Rectal thermometers are more reliable by my standards and produce a more accurate result.
DOG HEAT STROKE TEMPERATURES
102 degrees Fahrenheit is the optimal temperature for dogs that WERE showing signs of heat stroke. Typically, veterinarians will stop cooling a dog once the body reaches 103 degrees.
Remember a normal dog’s body temperature is between 101 to 102.5 F, so reducing their body temperature gradually ensures that your dog will not go into shock and then become hypothermic and start shivering because it is now too cold.
HOW CAN HEAT STROKE IN DOGS BE PREVENTED
If it is humid outside or hot outside your dog runs the risk of heat stroke. If they are confined to a cage and have nowhere to escape the glaring sun they are at risk.
Just because you put them in a crate outside and there is no sun on them doesn’t mean the sun won’t eventually hit them or the ambient heat won’t get to them later in the day.
Dogs need to be provided ample shade and access to water. Metal crates get hot! Plastic crates don’t allow enough circulation of air in hot weather, it’s like an oven.
Keeping animals in cars with the windows cracked is also not sufficient as there is not enough circulation of air.
If you are out all day playing with your dog at a park, take adequate measures.
They may want to play, play, play. But you need to exercise good judgement and stop and let your dog cool down, offer water to your dog repeatedly while outdoors playing.
Try one of these
Amazon.com : SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness Cooler Jacket Grey Green Medium : Pet Supplies
The idea behind this is that you soak the vest in water first and then put it on your dog to help with the evaporative cooling process.
If your dog is stuck outside with you let say your camping, then another option is something like this
Now, it is to be noted that a product like this has gel inside so you will want to be mindful of your dog and make sure that they are not chewing on it and having worn it out or punctured it as the gel could come out.
One other way is to put a hat specifically made to stay on your dog like this cute one
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