Last week we talked about how dogs cope with the summer heat. This week we’re going to talk about what happens when your 
dog gets too hot.
You’ve all heard the horrible stories about dogs left in hot cars. Even when they are removed from that environment, sometimes they do not survive. Why is that? Here’s a quick explanation of what heat stroke is…
“Heat stroke, also called non-pyrogenic hyperthermia, is an elevation of a dog’s core body temperature due to internal production of excess heat, exposure to high environmental temperatures or failure of its body to disseminate heat properly. The normal temperature range in dogs is between 100 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Dogs don’t tolerate high environmental temperatures well because they don’t sweat. Dogs dissipate body heat by panting, which helps them bring in cooler air from the outside. When external temperatures are higher than a dog’s body temperature, even panting can’t cool it down. Dogs with heat stroke become increasingly restless and uncomfortable as their temperature rises. They pant, have trouble breathing and become weak. Eventually, they lie down and slip into a coma. By this point, death is imminent unless the dog receives immediate aggressive medical attention.”
The key here is the ability to regulate body temperature. If a dog is exercising on a very hot sunny and does not have access to water or shade, heat stroke is a possibility. Obviously, sitting in a hot car can lead to heat stroke. It is very important to realize just how hot a car can get, even with the windows open a couple of inches. More dogs are killed by heat stroke after being in a hot can than by any other means. Here’s a chart that shows how quickly a car’s interior heats up even on a relatively cool day..
So, what are the signs and what do you need to do if you suspect heat stroke?
Most of the time, heat stroke happens to dogs on days that are exceptionally hot. Heat stroke is most common in very old dogs, and in very young puppies that are more likely to over-exert themselves. Owners of dogs with heat stroke may recognize one or more of the following signs of this dangerous condition:
- Restlessness or agitation for no apparent reason
- Whining, barking or vocalizing for no apparent reason
- Panting (excessive, prolonged or recurrent; may start, stop, then start again)
- Stretching
- Frothing/foaming at the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Labored or difficult breathing
- Elevated heart rate
- Dry, tacky gums
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (may be bloody)
- Confusion; disorientation
- Lack of coordination
- Red gums and other mucus membranes
- Lethargy, listlessness, dullness
- Weakness
- Dog lies down and is difficult to rouse
- Seeking of cool places
- Seizures
- Uncontrolled muscle tremors
- Collapse
- Coma
- Death
Scary, isn’t it? If you suspect heat stroke, here’s what to do… Fortunately, heat stroke, also referred to as “hyperthermia,” is usually fairly easy to diagnose. Most dogs suffering from this condition will be taken to a veterinarian with a recent history of excessive panting, lethargy, weakness and/or collapse. The veterinarian will quickly take the dog’s rectal temperature, which in the case of heat stroke will be markedly elevated. This, together with the ambient outdoor temperature and the owner’s account of the dog’s recent activities, usually will be enough to make a definitive diagnosis of heat stroke.
If you can’t get to a vet quickly, you must take emergency measures to cool the dog at once. Move the dog out of the source of heat, preferably into an air-conditioned building. Take his rectal temperature every 10 minutes. Normal temperature for a dog is between 101 and 102.5 . If you see a temperature 104 or above, it’s time to take action. It should be noted that mild cases may be resolved by moving the dog into a cool environment.
If the rectal temperature is above 104°F, begin rapid cooling by spraying the dog with a garden hose or immersing him in a tub of cool water (not ice water) for up to two minutes. Alternatively, place the wet dog in front of an electric fan. Cool packs applied to the groin area may be helpful, as well as wiping his paws off with cool water. Monitor his rectal temperature and continue the cooling process until the rectal temperature falls below 103°F (39°C). At this point, stop the cooling process and dry the dog. Further cooling may induce hypothermia and shock.
Following an episode of heat stroke, take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.