What are signs of heat stroke in dogs?
Early signs of heat stroke are panting and rapid breathing, increased heart rate, with bounding pulses.
Early signs of heat stroke in dogs include:
- Panting and rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate, with bounding pulses
Later signs of heat stroke in dogs are:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Sticky gums
- Tented skin (when lifted)
- Seeming dazed, disoriented, and depressed
- Excessive drooling and increased salivation
The
salivation occurs as the body works harder and harder to get rid of the
pent up heat. As heat stroke progresses, severe breathing distress
occurs. Many dogs will seem as if they can’t catch their breath. Flip
the lips and look at the gums and tongue. The gums become bright red.
Bruises can be seen on the gums or skin.
As
the condition worsens, collapse, seizures, depression, and abnormal
mental states occur. Increased urination, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting
of blood may occur due to damage of the blood vessels in the intestines
and stomach.
A
sign that the condition is worsening is that the previously dark and
reddish gums become pale and ashen. The pulses then weaken. The elevated
body temperature may decrease to below normal and neurological signs
such as seizures and coma can occur and often precede death.
What is the treatment for dogs with heat stroke?
Reduction
of core body temperature is essential. Owners should start cooling
efforts prior to and on the way to the veterinary hospital or veterinary
emergency facility.
The
dog should be immersed in cool water, using a tub or garden hose. DO
NOT USE ICE WATER as this causes the blood vessels to constrict and
traps heat. Shivering may also occur and generate more heat and worsen
the hyperthermia and heat stroke. A fan can be used to increase cooling
by evaporation.
Spraying
the footpads with alcohol can improve evaporation and dissipation of
heat. A rectal thermometer should be used to monitor the temperature
every few minutes. Once the pet reaches the veterinary hospital, the
health care team will take over with more intense therapies as needed.
