Preventing Heat Related Illness In Dogs

Your dog enjoys spending the summer with you since there are many opportunities to explore and play outside. However, if the weather is hot, it is essential to consider heat stroke in dogs and the effects of the sun on your companion. In this article we discuss preventing heat related illness in dogs.

As with people, heat stroke can occur in dogs without shade, ventilation, or drink, and it can be hazardous to their health. It can also happen when they are out and about with you, such as after strenuous exercise in warm weather or experiencing excessive stress or excitement.

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What is hyperthermia?

While more prevalent during the summer, heat stroke can occur at any time year. However, it can develop unexpectedly and with little to no notice.

In contrast to humans, dogs and cats behave differently to heat. Humans regulate their body temperature through sweat glands located throughout their bodies. Dogs and cats have very few sweat glands in their paw pads and around their noses. To cool themselves, our pets mostly expel heat through panting. The sweat glands in their paw pads and nostrils minimize heat dissipation.

Hyperthermia and heat-related illnesses can occur when our pets cannot cool themselves through panting. In addition, when the body’s core temperature rises above its typical range of 39.0 degrees Celsius, hyperthermia occurs. This is just one reason owners must be familiar with preventing heat related illness in dogs.

Are heat stress and heat exhaustion the same as heat stroke?

There are three distinct varieties of hyperthermia. Even though many individuals use these names interchangeably, there are distinctions between the conditions, each of which varies in severity.

There is a correlation between heat stress and increased thirst and panting. In addition, the patient is cognitively alert and able to move about independently. Visit our Heat Stress in Dogs blog for a more comprehensive look at the signs and symptoms of heat stress.

Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat stress. It is accompanied by increased thirst, weakness, and heavy breathing. Patients are also found to be cognitively aware but too weak or exhausted to react; they may be unable to move or even fall.

The most severe type of hyperthermia is heat stroke. This condition is present when your pet’s temperature hits 41.1 degrees or higher. At this temperature, brain dysfunction and organ collapse ensue. Once their temperature hits or exceeds 43 degrees, the proteins that are the basis of all bodily cells begin to dissolve. While there is no definitive point at which these systems collapse, higher temperatures and more extended periods of exposure to heat will increase the likelihood of organ malfunction and mortality.The symptoms of heat stroke are devastating, and immediate care is required in all cases, even when heat stroke is suspected because every second makes a substantial difference in the prognosis.

Symptoms of heat-related illness in canines

Regardless of how well you care for your dog, it is always possible for something unexpected to occur. Here are some warning indications of heat stroke in dogs, just in case:

• Extensive panting
• Difficulty in respiration
• Severe salivating.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhoea.
• Elevated temperature (at least 40,5° C).
• Blood was present in his pee.
• Nose bleeds (and other bleeding problems).

In the end, collapse and coma

Treating heat stroke in dogs

Cooling

Using fans, cool water, and, if required, a fluid drip, your veterinarian will try to reduce your dog’s temperature as rapidly as possible. If your dog is excessively overheated, fighting to breathe, experiencing convulsions, or is unconscious, they may also require oxygen, drugs, or anesthesia.

Medications 

Extreme heatstroke can disrupt blood coagulation and harm organs, including the kidneys, brain, intestines, heart, and lungs. Suppose your dog exhibits signs of severe heatstroke. In that case, your veterinarian may need to perform blood and urine tests, place them on an intravenous drip to support their organs, and administer drugs to prevent additional damage. If this is the case, your dog may need to spend several days in the hospital.

Nursing

Your dog will be carefully checked and cared for until they are stable. Once your pet’s condition has stabilized, they will be discharged. However, you must keep a close eye on them for 24-48 hours and contact your veterinarian if they decline or acquire symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, or decreased appetite.

Check-ups

Your dog may need to be examined a few days after being released to ensure they continue to recuperate correctly. In addition, your veterinarian may want to repeat blood and urine tests to examine their essential organs. Check out our video on how to get a urine sample from your dog if your veterinarian requests that you bring in a sample of his urine.

Heatstroke prevention in dogs

Protecting your dog from heatstroke is crucial, especially if they have a flat face, are overweight, or have a thick coat. There are basic measures you may take to prevent it, including:

• Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day; instead, take them out in the early morning or evening when it is cooler. If your dog is unfit, elderly, young, overweight, ill, or has breathing troubles, avoid all exercise on hot days.
• Ensure that they always have access to shade and drink: It is advisable to bring water with you on walks, particularly on hot days.
• Could you encourage them to get wet on hot days? Encourage your dog to play in the water on hot days, but never force them if they are afraid.
• Use a harness instead of a collar. Attaching a lead to a harness can reduce the pressure on your dog’s throat, making it more straightforward for them to pant and cool down. This is especially crucial if your dog has breathing difficulties or is brachycephalic (flat-faced). Remember to keep your dog’s collar on, even if you’re walking them with a harness, as collars are legally required.
• Never walk your dog on a hot surface: If you can comfortably rest your palm on the surface for seven seconds, it’s safe; sand, artificial grass, and tarmac are scorching.
• Never leave your dog in a hot vehicle: The sun should not be exposed even for a few minutes with the windows open or in the shade.
• Avoid traveling with your dog in a hot automobile; if a trip is unavoidable, ensure that they are in the shade, have access to water, and are surrounded by airflow. On hot days, cooling mats might be handy when traveling.
• Maintain a healthy weight for your dog. Obese dogs have a more challenging time staying cool.
• Consider having your dog groomed, particularly during the summer, if they have a thick coat. Brushing your dog’s fur might also be beneficial.

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Conclusion

Animals and humans behave differently to heat. Dogs and cats have far less sweat glands than humans, The few sweat glands these animals have are located in their paws and around their nose. People sweat to cool off their bodies while animals primarily cool themselves though panting. Learn how to identify and treat heat related injuries in your pet.

There are many heat injury warnings that occur in dogs and cats that you should be aware of. Immediate identification and treatment is crucial. There are certain basic preventative measure that all pet owners should be aware of.

As a dog owner your knowledge of preventing heat related illness in dogs could be the difference between life and death of your pet. Knowing the effects and symptoms of high temperatures on your pets and how to respond to them could be the difference between life and death. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and don’t forget to click here to visit our pet shop link and the top of this page. For our military veteran dog lovers click this link for military and patriotic-related products.

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