Pet Heat Stroke by Dr. Scott Cox DVM

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Scott Cox grew up in Edwardsburg, MI and graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Scott has practiced in progressive, award winning veterinary practices in Michigan, Colorado and California. Currently he practices in a specialty, referral practice focusing on emergency and critical care medicine.

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Pet Heat Stroke

Warm weather makes us all more active and we tend to enjoy more activities with our pets in the summer. Historically, veterinary practices are busiest in the summer months. I guess this makes sense as the days are longer and there is more time for the lake, walks and hikes and visits to local parks. Over the past few weeks, I have seen many heat related cases in pets so I thought I would pass on some observations I have noted for the warmer months.

I watch my dogs closely on warmer days (65 degrees and up). I am amazed at how hot they get so fast. Sometimes they do this and I am in long sleeves. They just do not have the cooling mechanisms we do. That, and they run like maniacs as I walk. The two cooling mechanisms for our pets are sweaty paws and panting - which is not much surface area for which to cool down the entire body. I have seen dogs with temperatures of 106 degrees just from panting and stress within an air-conditioned building.

Tips:

Go to the backyard, lake or park and play in the morning or evening when it is cooler.
If you run or bike with your dogs, go slow and take several small fresh water breaks. Be careful with the water as they can drink too much at one time and cause their stomach to bloat. Small amounts and frequent timing is the key.
Avoid too much food before exercise or playtime. Maybe just a little snack or treat just like you would if exercising.
Pay attention to your pets - you can tell if they are overdoing it and make them rest. I think some retrievers would really fetch until they died.
Ease into the activity if you haven't been doing it regularly and are now starting because it is warmer.
Incorporate a dip into the lake into the playtime if possible.
Consider the age of your pet - puppies and old timers are more sensitive to heat. Avoid hot pavement. We have shoes, you know. I have seen dogs and cats lose all of their pads to burns from walking or running on pavement at the town parade. They build calluses like we do. Take a look at an indoor cat's pads - nice and smooth and not ready for rough terrain, just your pillow.

Do you have a Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier or other similar breed as far as short, scrunchy (brachycephalic) faces? These are some of my favorite dog breeds; I love how they snort around. These dogs have a hard time breathing in perfect conditions. Add a little stress or heat, and panting leads to swelling in already small airways, which then leads to blocked windpipes and a scary visit to me in the ER giving you bad news and a hefty estimate.

A 70-degree day is quite hot next to the pavement where dogs live. Actually 70 degrees is a really hot day for these breeds. The heat reflects right up on them so be careful at the outdoor festivals and concerts that your pets visit with you.

If your pets are outside during the day, pay attention to the weather forecast and make sure they have plenty of fresh water and a break from the heat. Sometimes shade or a doghouse is just not enough. Keep them in when it is hot.

Pocket pet owners seem to treat their guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets and hamsters to a nice outdoor visit in the warm weather months too. I have seen all of these for heat stroke far too often. Most of them were outside for a special treat and the shade moved off of their cage. It only takes a few minutes for these guys to overheat.

Signs of heat stroke are the following:

Intense rapid panting, wide eyes, salivating, staggering, seizures and weakness. Advanced heat stroke victims will collapse and become unconscious. The gums will appear pale and dry. If heat stroke is suspected and you can take the animal's temperature rectally, any temperature above 105 degrees is dangerous. The longer the temperature remains at or above 105 degrees the more serious the situation. If you return to your car or the area in which the animal was confined and find your pet seems to be highly agitated, wide-eyed and panting uncontrollably... start for the nearest animal hospital right away with the air conditioning at full blast. Otherwise get the dog to a cool area and begin the treatment for heat stroke.

Treatment for Heat Stroke:

Take the pet's temperature rectally. A body temperature of about 105 degrees or higher is probable evidence for heat stroke. Place your pet in a tub of cool running water or spray with a hose being sure the cool water contacts the skin and doesn't simply run off the coat. Do not cool too fast with ice water. Thoroughly wet the belly and inside the legs. Run the cool water over the tongue and mouth. Take another rectal temperature to know when to stop cooling which is about 103 degrees. A small dog will cool down much faster than a large dog. Once the temperature gets to 103 or 104 degrees do not cool the pet any further because the cooling effects will continue to bring the temperature down even further. Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

When I see heat stroke patients, I cool them as above, start IV fluids and oxygen therapy right away. Some pets receive plasma and medications to reduce swelling of the brain. Blood work is done to assess for organ damage and signs of bleeding disorders caused from the heat. Patients can make full recoveries, but many die or have permanent brain or organ damage. Heat stroke is a serious life threatening condition that is generally avoidable. Keep in mind these basic things and you and your pets will have a great summer.

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