Dog and Heat Stroke – First Aid and Prevention

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The sun is shining bright and you have an itch to be outside. You strap a leash on your constant companion and head outdoors. It’s 90 degrees and the last thing you want to do is move so you head some place you could enjoy the summer sun. Now, imagine what it would be like in that type of heat if you were wearing your winter parka. Sounds as thrilling as bungee jumping without the cord, right?

Well that’s what summer is like for your dog. With a core temperature 2-3 degrees higher than human’s, they do not tolerate the high temperatures of the summer sun very well. Dogs depend on panting in order to expel heat and take in cool air and if there is no cool air to take in, heat stroke is often the outcome. And dogs that have breathing problems or airway diseases are even more pre-dispositioned to be affected by the heat.

If your dog is with you outdoors in high temperatures, remember to pace his activity in accordance with the weather. In other words, don’t expect from him what you would on a breezy autumn day. Keep your dog hydrated with cool water and make sure there is a shaded area for him to rest in.

Never leave your pet in a parked car in the sun or even in the shade if there is no wind or breeze,  the car will get hot and the temperature inside your car will rise really fast. Dogs can die from heat stroke in less 20 minutes on a 75 degree day.

Know the signs of heat stroke.

• Wobbly
• Unresponsive
• Increased Salivation
• Dry gums that become grayish in color
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive Panting

What To Do If Your Dog Get a Heat Stroke

If the dog continues to overheat you may notice slowed breathing and seizures. The amount of damage that occurs during a heat stroke depends on the magnitude and duration of his exposure. The longer the exposure the more severe the damage.

If you suspect your dog is being affected by heat stroke, you need to take immediate action. Get him cool immediately.

• If you are outdoors, bring him to a shaded area and wet his stomach, inner thighs and paw pads with cool, not cold, water. Remember the icy cold water will be counterproductive and could further complicate the situation. If your dog’s system is shocked into cooling down, cardiac arrest and bloating can occur.

• If you are near a car, get him in the air conditioning and let the vent hit him directly.

• If you’re near water, put him in a cool (not cold) stream or hose him down. Allow the dog to drink small amounts of water and never give him high-performance drinks. Those drinks are formulated with a human physiology in mind and are not meant for a canine’s system.

Once your dogs core temperature begins to drop stop the cooling efforts and bring him to your vet. Even if your pet recovers quickly, problems from heat stroke can develop up to 48-72 hours after initial symptoms begin.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, 1 in 4 deceased pets could have been saved with the right first aid procedures.

The best first aid though is prevention. So before heading outdoors on that hot summer day with your faithful follower, make sure you take his safety and comfort into account. Prepare for his day the way you do your own. Pack him a bag, take cold water and keep in tune with him. Take care of him the way he’s always taken care of you!

More info on Dog First Aid and CPR

Tags: first aid, heat stroke