With summer upon us, we need to take extra precautions to make sure our dogs don’t get over heated. Heat stroke is life threatening and can happen very quickly.Heat stroke occurs in dogs from an extremely high body temperature (rectal temperature of 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit). The normal temperature for a dog is between 100.5-102.5 degrees.  At these temperatures, severe damage to the organs can occur and without treatment death is imminent. If you suspect heat stroke, you need to cool down your dog immediately.

Signs of heat stroke include rapid panting, lethargy, wide eyes, salivating, staggering and weakness. Advance signs in heat stroke include collapse, unconsciousness and coma. The gums will appear pale and dry. If you are suspecting your dog is over heated, take the dog’s rectal temperature.  If it is above 105, it probably is heat stroke.  Use cool running water, or spray with a water hose (make sure the water contacts the skin). Wet the dog’s belly and inside legs, run cool water over tongue and mouth. A safe rectal temp is about 103 degrees. Get the dog to a cool area, begin treatment or get to a veterinarian ASAP  Allowing a dog to remain in the car with closed or even slightly open windows on a hot day is the most common cause of heat stroke.Other causes of hyperthermia can be caused from increased muscular activity (a long run). Other factors that increase the chance of developing heat stroke include: direct sunlight, enclosed spaces, lack of drinking water, excessive humidity, obesity, exercise, age, cardiovascular disease and lack of acclimatization.  Certain short faced breeds such as Boxers, Pekingese, Pugs and dogs with heavy coats are at higher risk. 

During our short summer, leave the dog at home, if you must travel with your dog, have the air conditioner on and if you need to stop, make sure the dog is not left unattended in the car.Humans’ sweat, which is evaporation, cooling the skin surface by dissipating the heat buildup, Dogs have very few sweat glands. Most of a dog’s sweat glands are between the pads on its paws and a few around the nose so they pant to dissipate the heat. Panting allows evaporation of water from the respiratory tract. The movement of air over the moist (saliva) tongue and airway surface increase cooling. Their tongue has many blood vessels close to the surface.  The Vancouver Animal Emergency clinic is open 24/7; call 604-734-5304 if you suspect your dog is in danger of any kind.The Emergency hospital may administer oxygen, cortisone and dextrose to help protect the cells. Temperature and heart rate will be monitored. Your dog will most likely be given IV fluids and monitored for blood clotting problems as this is a complication of heat strokeSo, always be extra carful about leaving your dog in the vehicle or in the direct sunlight on very warm days. Remember older pets have less resistance to stresses including heat.  Excitement or discomfort brings on panting and elevated metabolic rate which elevates the animal's temperature; and if the animal cannot remove that heat buildup within its body it may be just a matter of a few minutes before the dog gets into some serious medical difficulty.Cats can also develop heat stroke, but it is far less common. Follow the same guidelines for a cat.