Heat stroke in dogs is considered a serious veterinary emergency, as it can put the animal's life at risk. It generally appears in summer, when the environmental temperature is very high, however, it can also occur in situations of confinement, if we leave the animalin a car or when the individual does not have access to clean, fresh water at all times. In some cases, heat stroke can be fatal if not treated early and properly.
For all these reasons, in this article on our site we will talk in detail about heat stroke in dogs, explaining what the most common symptoms are, what to do in case of heat stroke heat and the treatment that the veterinarian can apply in emergencies, already at the veterinary clinic.
What is heat stroke in dogs or hyperthermia?
To begin with, we must know the term "hyperthermia", which refers to a elevated body temperature, above normal values It can have different causes, such as the one we are dealing with in this article, heat stroke, but it can also be considered the secondary symptoms of very diverse pathologies, such as viral diseases or infectious processes.
Hyperthermia in response to a disease, technically known as pyrogenic hyperthermia, is considered a defense mechanism of the body and is commonly known as as "dog fever". It is important to point out that in these cases we should never self-medicate or lower the temperature without a veterinary prescription.
In the case of heat stroke we speak of non-pyrogenic hyperthermia. In this case, it is necessary to carry out an active cooling of the animal, without the consequences for the organism that we could cause in the previous case.
But how do we know if our dog has hyperthermia? The dog's body temperature is between 38 ºC and 39 ºC, beyond this range, above 41 ºC, we consider that the dog suffers from hyperthermia and we would be facing a veterinary emergency. Let's remember that the only effective way to take a dog's temperature is through a thermometer, never through its nose or with other homemade "tricks".
Risk factors for heat stroke in dogs
Although any dog is susceptible to heat stroke, there are some risk factors that are worth knowing, especially among dog guardians, with the aim of being able to prevent it as much as possible:
- Brachycephalic dog syndrome: it is a common condition in various dog breeds, such as the English bulldog, the Shar Pei or the Boxer among others. It causes shortness of breath, obstruction of the airways, and can even lead to collapse.
- Heart Diseases: Heart failure or heart murmur are some of the heart diseases that can cause serious symptoms to appear before heat or intense exercise, such as coughing, tiredness, and fainting.
- Overweight and obesity: excess weight has a negative impact on the he alth of dogs that suffer from it, favoring joint degeneration or the appearance of heat stroke among others.
- Laryngeal paralysis: this pathology, which can be hereditary and affects mostly elderly dogs, can become very serious, impacting their quality of life and may even cause severe respiratory distress. Cough, exercise intolerance, and changes in barking may be seen. It can be controlled with medication in mild cases, but in others surgery is required to allow a good quality of life for the dog.
- Tracheal collapse: we are talking about a chronic and irreversible disease, which consists of a narrowing of the trachea, which causes cough, difficulty breathing, fainting, and hissing sounds. Surgical control can be performed, although the main measures are weight loss, the use of medication and even sedation.
But as we have already told you, despite the fact that there are risk factors, any dog can experience heat stroke during intense exercise, the lack of hydration or the excessive heat Visits to the beach or pool, as well as walks during the hottest hours of the day, can favor the appearance of heat stroke in the dog.
Symptoms of heat stroke in dogs
As you have seen, there are several reasons that can cause an excessive increase in the dog's body temperature, however, you probably want to know how to detect the blow of heat in dogs, in order to act quickly. This will help you prevent some of the most serious consequences, such as irreversible damage to organs and even the death of the animal.
Thus, the most common signs of heat stroke in dogs are:
- Accelerated breathing
- Constant Gasps
- High temperature
- Elevated heart rate
- Bluetongue
- Red Tongue
- Incoordination
- Wobbling
- Weakening
- Profuse salivation
- Dizziness
- Blackout
- Shock
- Inability to move
- Death
Now that you know what heat stroke in dogs is and its symptoms, it's a good idea to learn what the first aid for heat stroke in dogs is, keep reading.
How to deal with heat stroke in dogs?
You should know that it is relatively easy for dogs to die from heat stroke, so it is essential that at the slightest sign of heat stroke in dogs we know what to do. Next we show you the step by step to follow:
- Move the dog to a cool place, away from the sun. We can even put a fan on low power to cool it down gradually.
- We will apply fresh water cloths (not cold or icy) on the belly, head, neck, legs and chest. Under no circumstances should the animal be covered or bathed.
- We will moisten your mouth with a spray regularly.
- We will be taking your temperature until it drops above 39ºC or until the dog shows a slight improvement.
- We will visit the vet to ensure good he alth and rule out any serious damage to his body.
When heat stroke appears in dogs, you already know what to do. However, it will be essential that you go to the vet, even when the symptoms have subsided, we will explain why in the following sections.
Diagnosis of heat stroke in dogs
Already at the veterinary clinic, the specialist will observe the dog's state of he alth to make a diagnosis To do this, he will pay attention to the clinical signs, including shock, collapse, tachypnea, and signs of coagulopathy. Tachycardia, hyperemia, and aortic insufficiency are also common.
As for the CNS signs we found mild ataxia, seizures and even a possible coma. But in addition, serious damage to the intestinal system may also be included, such as severe bloody diarrhea.
Heat stroke treatment in dogs
The specialist will tell us about heat stroke in dogs and its treatment, based mainly on cooling the dog. Begin by performing a active cooling, avoiding the use of ice, as it can damage the skin, as well as cause stress and anxiety in the dog. Gastric lavage is also not recommended, since there may be a high risk of aspiration, thus worsening the condition.
It may be necessary to clear the dog's airways, by intubation, and even by performing an emergency tracheostomy. Another important aspect is the fluid therapy, since thanks to the administration of intravenous fluids they improve blood flow and help balance body losses.
In some cases medication will also be administered, such as antibiotics, antiemetics, intestinal protectors, osmotic diuretics and other drugs that the specialist deems appropriate taking into account the picture presented by can. In the most severe cases, when ventricular arrhythmias occur, cardiac support with lidocaine will be performed.
Once the veterinarian has explained to you how to treat heat stroke in dogs and has applied the pertinent measures, it is likely that they will suggest hospitalization of the dog During this time, constant monitoring will be carried out to ensure that the dog's vital signs are correct, but its blood pressure will also be analyzed.
When the dog arrives in a very serious condition and various organs are compromised, a multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), also known as as multi-organ failure, which can be fatal.
Depending on the condition of the dog and its evolution, the prognosiscan be favorable or reserved. But in addition, we must remember that heat stroke in dogs can cause sequelae, such as brain damage and or alterations in the CNS. The veterinarian will help us to notice these possible damages and will explain what care the dog will require.
How to avoid heat stroke in dogs?
Now that you know about heat stroke in dogs and its consequences, it is essential to review the prevention measures that we can apply in our daily lives, especially in summer or when temperatures are very high.
How to avoid heat stroke in dogs? Take note:
- We will ensure that, at all times, our dog has fresh and clean water.
- We will avoid leaving the dog in a carrier or car without supervision at all times. Let us remember that in these types of spaces temperatures can rise alarmingly and suddenly.
- We will continue our active routine during the coolest hours of the day, as far as sports are concerned, but also on walks, especially in elderly dogs, puppies, sick or during the bitch's pregnancy. Let us remember that in these stages they are more vulnerable.
- We can consider acquiring a bed or cooling cloth, very useful during the summer and on excursions respectively, but also, we will always make sure that the dog can take refuge in a shaded area, regardless of where we are.
Here are some tips on heat stroke in dogs and its prevention, however, it may be necessary consult the veterinarian en the case of having a puppy, elderly dog or with a specific he alth problem. The specialist will offer guidelines to ensure a good quality of life for our dog, as well as extra tricks for day to day.
If you have been interested in this article and want to work as a professional in the animal he alth sector, do not hesitate to take the VETFORMACIÓN Veterinary Assistant course, where you will learn everything related to first aid and the treatment that a dog requires in the face of heat stroke and many other circumstances. Let yourself be advised by one of the leaders in training blended and online throughout Spain.
