Pet Sense (Archives)
Summertime Heat
Summer is a great time for tons of fun with your pets; however, summer can be very dangerous too and special attention needs to be paid. Playing or exercising a dog in the heat can bring on a lethal case of heat stroke. We had 3 dogs in a matter of 30 minutes, come in this past week, needing treatment for heat stroke. With this is mind, we thought it was worth discussing Hyperthermia or Heat Stroke, which is the elevation of body temperature above normal. It is sometimes indicative of a fever, but it can also be associated with severe conditions such as heat stroke or heat prostration (exhaustion or illness). Any time the body temperature is higher than 106 degrees, a true emergency exists.
What to Do
*Remove the pet from the environment where the heat stroke occurred.
*Move the pet to the shade and direct a fan on him.
*If possible, determine rectal temperature and record.
*Begin to cool the body by wetting with cool (NOT COLD) water. It is helpful to use rubbing alcohol on the paw pads and a little on the ears.
*Transport to a veterinary facility.
What NOT to Do
*Do not use cold water or ice for cooling.
*Do not overcool the pet.
*Do not attempt to force water orally.
*Do not leave the pet unattended for any length of time.
In the summertime, most of these cases can be avoided by avoiding the opportunity for overheating and providing plenty of shade and water. Keep in mind that prolonged seizures, eclampsia (milk fever), poisonings, and many other conditions may cause hyperthermia. Also, the bracycephalic (short-nosed) breeds (like a Bull dog, Pekingese, Chinese Pug, Lhasa Apso, Boston Terrier, etc.) may suffer from ineffectual panter syndrome, which results in an increased body temperature that can be fatal.
The most common sign of heat stroke is vigorous panting. The pet is likely to be lying on its side, unable to stand, although some are restless and agitated. There may even be a thick, ropy saliva in the mouth, or froth coming from the mouth and/or nose. Often the pet seems to be rigid, extending its head, neck, and limbs. The mucous membranes (color of the gums) are often red but may be pale or “muddy.” The pet may show signs of shock.
Cooling the pet is extremely important. While ice or cold water may seem logical, its use is not advised. Cooling the innermost structures of the body will actually be delayed, as ice or cold water will cause superficial blood vessels to shrink, effectively forming an insulating layer of tissue to hold the heat inside. Tap water is more suitable for effective cooling.
Severe hyperthermia is a disease that affects nearly every system in the body. Simply lowering the body temperature fails to address the potentially catastrophic events that often accompany this disorder. Remember that a pet suffering from hyperthermia should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Tips to help your pets stay cool this summer
*Keep your pet’s kennel well-ventilated and positioned near a well-shaded area where your pet can avoid midday sun and heat.
*Avoid excessive exercise during hot weather since over-exertion commonly causes heat stress.
*Keep plenty of fresh drinking water available at all times.
*Keep your pet well-groomed. Long hair and hair mats may need to be clipped to help cool your pet and prevent skin disease.
*Remember that parked cars are potential death traps during the hot summer months. Temperatures inside the car can easily climb to 120 degrees on a sunny day. If you absolutely must leave your pet in a car, please do the following:
*Open windows and vents as wide as possible without providing an escape route; or, put your pet in a well-ventilated cage inside the car and open the windows fully.
*Provide water.
*Check the car every ten minutes.
