Summertime is a great time to be a dog. There are so many fun things to do, like going for walks, playing in the park, and swimming in the pool. But it's important to remember that dogs can get overheated easily, especially if they're not used to the heat. It's important to be aware of the dangers of heatstroke in dogs, which can occur quickly and lead to fatalities if not treated immediately. So make sure you keep an eye on your furry friend during hot weather and know how to treat heatstroke if it happens.
How do dogs normally cool themselves?
Dogs don't sweat as humans do, so they have to cool themselves in other ways. Dogs pant by exhaling rapidly and drawing air in through their nose and mouth. This evaporative cooling method works because when the air hits the moist surfaces inside the dog's nose and mouth, some of the water vapour in the air condenses and draws heat away from the blood vessels in these tissues. The heat absorbed by the water vapour is then carried away when the panting dog exhales.
In addition to panting, dogs also have sweat glands in their paw pads that help to regulate their body temperature. When a dog's body temperature rises, the blood vessels in the paw pads dilate and increase blood flow to the area. This increased blood flow helps to cool the dog's body by carrying heat away from the internal organs.
What are the signs and symptoms of heatstroke in dogs?
If your dog is suffering from heatstroke, you may notice some of the following signs and symptoms:
- Elevated body temperature (above 104.8°F or 41°C)
- Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Abnormal mucous membrane colour (red, blue, or purple tongue and gums)
- Disorientation
- Vomiting, often with blood
- Collapse
If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take your dog to your emergency veterinarian immediately. If heatstroke is left untreated, it can lead to organ damage and even death.
How is a fever different from heatstroke in dogs?
The hypothalamus in the brain is responsible for setting the core body temperature. Heatstroke is different from a fever in that a fever is caused by pyrogens raising the body's set temperature in the hypothalamus to an abnormal level, while heatstroke occurs when the body cannot dissipate heat effectively.
What are the risk factors for heatstroke in dogs?
There are many risk factors for heatstroke in dogs, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, upper airway abnormalities (brachycephalic airway syndrome), neurologic disorders and lack of environmental acclimation. Dogs may also be more susceptible to heatstroke when they've been exercising or confined with poor ventilation.
Dogs that have had heatstroke before may be more likely to have it again because the first episode can affect the thermoregulatory center in the hypothalamus. Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and brachycephalic breeds (breeds with short noses) are especially prone to heatstroke.
What is the treatment for heatstroke in dogs?
If your dog is showing signs of heatstroke, it's important to take your dog to your emergency veterinarian immediately. There are some things you can do during transport that can help and affect the prognosis:
- During car transport, have the air conditioner or windows rolled down
- Apply cool water or pre-soaked cold water towels over the dog. Do not use ice or extremely cold water, as this can cause further injury due to vasoconstriction.
- Apply isopropyl alcohol to the dog's footpads, ears and other areas of the body with limited fur, such as the abdomen or armpit regions.
At your emergency veterinary hospital, the veterinarian will take steps to lower your dog's body temperature and assess for any other injuries or underlying diseases. Treatment may include:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain hydration and help cool the body from the inside
- Oxygen therapy to help your dog breathe easier
- Dogs with thick hair coats may need to be shaved in order to prevent their wet hair from acting as insulation.
- Cooling blankets or baths to lower the body temperature
- Monitoring of vital signs and organ function
- Additional treatment, such as antibiotics or blood transfusions, may be necessary if your dog is suffering from secondary infections or has low blood volume (shock).
The dog's body temperature should only be cooled to 102-103°F (38.8-39.4°C) or hypothermia may occur. The cooling process helps to prevent further cell damage but does not suppress the inflammatory response that has already begun.
Preventing heatstroke in dogs
The best way to prevent heatstroke in dogs is to be aware of the signs and symptoms, as well as the risk factors. It's important to never leave your dog in a car, even for a short period of time, as the temperature inside a car can rise very quickly. Dogs should also have access to shade and fresh water at all times when they're outside.
When exercising your dog, be sure to do so in cooler temperatures, such as early in the morning or later in the evening. Avoid hot pavement, as this can burn your dog's paw pads. And be sure to give your dog a break if he or she is panting excessively or seems tired.
If you're going to be in an environment where there is heat and humidity, such as at a dog show or working on a search and rescue team, take steps to acclimatize your dog gradually so he or she can get used to the heat. And be sure to have a cool, shady spot for your dog to rest in and access to fresh water at all times.
Heatstroke in dogs is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when their bodies are unable to dissipate heat effectively. There are many risk factors for heatstroke in dogs, including heat and humidity, strenuous exercise, and certain underlying medical conditions. Dogs with thick hair coats or short noses (brachycephalic) are especially prone to heatstroke. Common symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include excessive panting, abnormal mucous membrane colour, drooling, lethargy, weakness, collapse, and shock.
If you think your dog may be suffering from heatstroke, it's important to take them to your emergency veterinarian immediately!