heatstrokeOURS

Heatstroke in Dogs

Despite well publicised campaigns, dogs are still being left in cars every summer. Every year the RSPCA receives around 6,000 calls from members of the public concerned about an animal left in a car on the street, in a supermarket car park or at a public event. Leaving a dog in a hot car has the same kind of effect as putting an animal in a microwave. Even with an open window, a car heats up very quickly; never leave dogs in the car. Often it is best to leave them at home. If you have to take your dog with you you could try a heat reflective cover but ensure your dog spends plenty of time out of the car too.

It's not just cars that are the problem - caravans and conservatories can also pose a risk.

Under the Animal Welfare Act pet owners have a legal duty to care for their animals, which includes preventing suffering. Penalties are a fine of up to £20,000 or six months in prison.

Some Factors can Increase the Possibility of Your Pet Overheating
A short nose Being Overweight Previous experience of heatstroke Heart or respiratory disorders Too much exercise on a hot day A black coat A heavy double coat	Dehydration Humidity reducing the effectiveness of panting Muzzles dogs cannot pant as efficiently whilst wearing one Age Like humans, elderly or Younger dogs are less effective at regulating body temperature.

Panting is a cooling mechanism for dogs bodies. The natural act of panting causes a loss of fluids and can result in dehydration if these are not replaced. When a dog pants, the rapid, shallow breathing provides increased airflow over moist surfaces in the upper respiratory tract. The increase in airflow causes an increase in evaporation from the upper respiratory tract. As a result, the dog's body is cooled. At the onset of panting, the respiration rate increases rather suddenly from around 30-40 respirations per minute to around 300-400 respirations per minute.
Under a moderate heat load, a dog alternates between brief periods of panting at high frequencies and periods of normal slow respiration.
Remember that dogs lack sweat glands to keep them cool and they pant in an effort to regulate their body temperature. A panting dog is a hot dog. Proper hydration is essential to maintain optimum body functions and temperature in all mammal species. Virtually all metabolic reactions occur in the presence of water. A water shortage (dehydration - excess loss of bodily fluids often involving the loss of water and minerals such as sodium, chloride and potassium, collectively called electrolytes) causes the blood to thicken, reduces oxygen carrying capacity of the blood and may cause body temperature to elevate to potentially lethal levels. Heat stroke occurs when the dog's ability to regulate its body temperature is impaired. A dog regulates body temperature through respiration. When the respiratory tract cannot get rid of heat quickly enough, the body temperature rises. The most tell-tale sign that a pet has heat stroke is to take his/her temperature. Normal temperature is 100-102.5 degrees. Patients suffering from heat stroke often have temperatures of 104 degrees or higher! This type of temperature elevation is different from a fever, which is a normal response to inflammation or infection. If the temperature exceeds 108F, cellular damage starts to occur in a number of organ systems including the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, heart and brain. The extent of the cellular damage depends on the strength and the duration of the temperature elevation.

Dogs don't have the luxury of overall cooling system because their bodies have very few sweat glands, and most of these are in their footpads.
The main way dogs cool themselves is by panting and breathing, so the moist lining of their lungs serves as the evaporative surface (much like our skin). Dogs also dissipate heat by dilating (expanding) blood vessels in their tongue, face and ears. The tongue has a rich supply of blood vessels which dilate and cause the tongue to swell - by as much as six times when exercising. Panting moves air from the hot internal body core to the outside, and also increases the air flow over the increased surface area of the moist tongue, throat and windpipe. This helps to cool the dogs' blood by causing it to flow closer to the surface of the skin. Panting and the necessary increased salivation to keep the tongue and airways moist, leads to massive fluid loss which if not replaced can lead to dehydration.
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Dogs suffering from heat stroke will have a muddy pink colour to their gums instead of the nice red-pink color that normally exists. Their heart rate will be much faster than normal, and they will be panting furiously. Exaggerated panting is the dog's first attempt to cool its body. Increased salivation accompanies increased panting and unless moisture lost through this panting is replenished, it eventually will lead to dehydration. They tend to stand or walk very slowly and are not particularly aware of their environment. Some will lay on their sternum. Most dogs will exhibit a wild or panicked expression. Any combination of these symptoms should be acted on immediately.

You must help the dog's efforts to lower body temperature with the use of water and air. Since the lungs cannot keep up with the heat buildup, you should cool the skin and associated blood vessels so the body's temperature will decrease. Although it is tempting, if you think your pet has heat stroke, do not pour cold water on them or immerse them into cold water. This can cool them too quickly. It is better to lay moist towels (moistened with cool water or room temperature water) and lay them on your pet while you contact a veterinarian. Avoid very cold water or ice as they cause the blood capillaries in the skin to contract, slowing the circulation and thereby slowing the cooling of the internal organs. Wet him down all over, but let the water run continuously in the groin area , his armpits and the back of the head since there are large numbers of significant and relatively superficial blood vessels in that area that will allow for more rapid cooling of the blood. Check their temperature every ten minutes and stop the cooling process once his temperature reaches 103ºF. The dog should be in a well-ventilated, shady area to allow for evaporation of the water. Evaporation cools body temperatures very effectively. Electric fans also help enormously.

Lots of water is the best way to replace fluids, but a severely dehydrated dog should not be allowed to take in large quantities at once. This will result in vomiting and a further loss of fluids or bloat. Instead let the dog drink small amounts over a period of time. Some dogs will accept liquid being syringed into their mouths, and will take more water that way. About 10 minutes of cooling should be enough, after which immediately take your dog to the vet, even if he appears to be fully recovered - the effects of heat stroke can continue for up to three days.

Electrolytes can be replaced with a hydrating solution, there are many on the market, any are worth considering to keep in your first aid box. If these are not immediately available, a dessert spoon of honey with a pinch of salt dissolved in a pint of water is a useful second best.

When you are taking your dog to the veterinary hospital, keep the air conditioner on or the windows open. Refrain from using an enclosed style crate as it does not allow enough evaporation or fresh cool air for the lungs. Do not leave the dog covered with wet towels as it will prevent evaporation. Once the dogs temperature starts dropping, you should seek veterinary assistance. It is advisable in most cases to start these animals on intravenous fluids and monitor kidney and liver function for at least several days. The necessity for this laboratory work depends on the magnitude and the duration of the elevated temperature, but even in relatively short mild occurrences, it is a wise precaution to take.

Obviously prevention of heat stroke is a far better alternative than treatment. Everyone is aware of the risks of having a dog in a vehicle in the summer, but there are some less obvious risk factors that we all need to be aware of. Even moderate environmental temperatures can be very significant when there is little or no ventilation. Your dog should always be able to move into a cooler, ventilated environment if he/she is feeling hot. Exercise early in the morning or late in the evening when it is less humid and the temperature is cooler. Heavy muscular activity drives body temperatures up with alarming speed. Following intervals of high activity, return the dog to an air conditioned vehicle, or wet the dog down and go to an area that is shaded and preferably breezy to allow for evaporation. Do not wet the dog down and return it to an enclosed style crate, as you will be creating a steam bath like environment. Make sure there is access to reasonable volumes of cool fresh water both before and after activity. A dog who survives heatstroke may sustain organ damage and could suffer lifelong health problems as a result.

We should all be aware that older dogs, young dogs, short-nosed, long-haired, overweight or heavily muscled, black or dark-coloured dogs, and dogs who have a double hair coat, are more at risk from heat stroke, as well as dogs with certain diseases such as heart disease, and lung disease. Don't shave longhaired dogs in hot weather as this eliminates the natural protection of the hair coat and predisposes your pet to sunburn and other injury. A good groomer can clip your dog's coat to a comfortable few inches so they can more easily dissipate the heat. Never leave your dog alone in a car. If you want to take your dog with you on a car journey, make sure that your destination is dog-friendly. Never leave your dog in a glass conservatory or a caravan. Cloud cover can disappear quickly and temperatures can soar. Even when it is just 22°C (72°F) outside, the temperature can soar to 47°C (117°F) within 60 minutes. In the heat of midday, keep your dog indoors in an air conditioned room or in a well-ventilated area with circulating fans.

Dogs can get sunburned too, particularly those with light-coloured noses or light-coloured fur on their ears. Ask your vet for advice on pet-safe sunscreens. Long-term sun exposure can lead to skin damage and in some cases skin cancers. Limit the amount of time your fair-haired pets stay in direct sunlight. Even basking in a sunny window counts as time in the sun. If any type of discoloration or sore appears, consult your veterinarian for a check-up. Areas that are commonly affected are the ears, eyelids and nose. Being aware of the various risk factors as well as the environmental considerations should help all of us avoid this potentially devastating problem. Don't be tempted to use human sunscreen, as this can be toxic to dogs. There are specially formulated pet suntan cream available from most pet shops.

Steps to take if you see a dog in a car that appears to be suffering

1. If the doors are locked and you can't find the owner, call the police straight away. Get others to look in nearby shops.

2. If the dog has collapsed, and/or has a blue tongue, you must get the dog out of the car immediately.

3. Cover the dog in cold water, head and body, and give plenty to drink.

4. If possible use a desk fan to lower the dogs temperature. Take the dog to the vet immediately.

Signs of heatstroke

Extremely high body temperature (rectal temperature of 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit).

excessive panting and profuse salivation

the skin loses elasticity as it loses moisture. When pinched your dogs skin should pop back into place immediately. As the tissue under the skin loses moisture, the skin moves back more slowely. In extreme cases the skin does not move back at all.

a rapid pulse

the mouth appears dry, as do the gums and nose

overly red or purple gums.

Delayed capillary refill time: pull up your dogs lip and look at the gums. Place your index finger firmly against the gum so that they appear white. Remove your finger and see how quickly the blood returns the gum to a pink colour again.The gums of a normal dog refill immediately: the gums of a dehydrated dog could take 3 seconds or so to return to their normal colour.

The eyes can appear sunken and lack moisture

lack of coordination, reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing, seizures, vomiting or diarrhoea

coma or death in extreme cases.

Symptoms of dehydration

1. The skin loses elasticity as it loses moisture.
This can be somewhat misleading since younger and fatter dogs will have more elasticity than older, thinner dogs. It is important to have an idea of what your dog's skin looks and feels like on a normal basis. Pinch a little skin between your thumb and forefinger on your dog's back. When you release it, it should pop back into place immediately. (You can try this on the back of your own hand as an example) As the tissue under the skin loses moisture, the skin moves back more slowly. In extreme cases, the skin doesn't pop back.

2. The eyes appear sunken and lack moisture.

3. The mouth appears dry. ... gums and nose are dry.

4. Delayed capillary refill time
Pull up your dog's lip and look at his gums. Place your index finger firmly against the gums so that they appear white. Remove your finger and see how quickly the blood returns to the gums (they will become pink in that area again). This is called capillary refill time. If you do this when everything is normal, you will have a basis upon which to compare. The gums of a normal dog refill immediately, the gums of a dehydrated dog could take 3 seconds or so to return to their pink state.

If your dog shows visible symptoms of dehydration, contact your vet immediately

Treating heatstroke

Speed is essential. Move your pet to a cooler spot and call your veterinary surgeon for advice immediately.

Douse your dog with cool (not cold) water. Never cool your dog so much that he/she begins to shiver.

Let your dog drink small amounts of cool water.

Continue to douse your dog with cool water until his/her breathing starts to settle and then take your dog straight to the vet. Treatment at the vets initially consists of cooling your pet down. This is done most effectively with IV fluids and controlled cooling by a veterinarian. Heat stroke can also affect other organs in the body; such as the kidneys, liver, stomach and blood clotting system. Because of its multi-organ effect, monitoring blood tests and maintenance on IV fluids may need to be continued over several days.

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How Heat and Humidity Affect Your Dog