Protect your dog from heat stroke

With another 7 day forecast of 100+ degree weather it is important to remember that dogs do not tolerate high temperatures as well as humans. They depend upon rapid breathing to exchange warm air for cool air. When the air temperature is close to body temperature, rapid breathing is not an efficient process. Heat stroke is an emergency that requires immediate recognition and prompt treatment.

Common situations that lead to overheating or heat stroke in dogs are:

1. Being left in a car in hot weather (especially with the windows closed).

2. Being confined on concrete runs; or chained without shade in hot weather.

3. Being a short-nosed breed, especially a Bulldog or Pug.

4. Being muzzled while put under a dryer (this can happen in a grooming parlor).

5. Suffering from airway disease or any condition that impairs breathing.

Heat stroke begins with rapid, frantic, noisy breathing. The tongue and mucus membranes are bright red, the saliva is thick and tenacious and the dog frequently vomits. The dogs' rectal temperature is high, sometimes over 106 degrees F.

If the condition is allowed to go unchecked, the dog becomes unsteady and staggers, has diarrhea that often is bloody and becomes progressively weaker. Coma and death may follow.

Treatment: Emergency measures must begin at once. Mild cases respond to moving the dog to a cooler surrounding, such as an air-conditioned building or car. If the dog's temperature is over 104 degrees F, or if unsteady on its feet, the dog should be cooled by immersion in a tub of cool water. If this is impossible, hose your dog down with a garden hose. For a temperature over 106 degrees F, or if the dog is near collapse, give a cold water enema. A more rapid temperature drop is imperative. Cool to a rectal temperature of 103 degrees F.

Heat stroke can be associated with swelling of the throat. This aggravates the problem. A cortisone injection by your veterinarian may be required to treat this.

Prevention:

1. Do not expose dogs with airway disease or impaired breathing to prolonged heat.

2. Restrict exercise during the heat of the day in summer.

3. Breed dogs in air-conditioned quarters.

4. Crate a dog only in an open wire cage.

5. Provide shade and cool water to dogs living in outdoor runs.

To most people, their dogs are like family.  Remember to treat them like family.  Shelly, Ben Goodwyn Agency 972.618.0100