As we enter the Dog Days of Summer and the humidity is on the rise, it is important that we, as dog owners, be more aware of the potential for heat exhaustion and heatstroke in our pets.
What is Heatstroke?
When a dog’s internal body temperature goes above a normal temperature of 101.5 degrees F, this is a fever and is called hypothermia. When the body temperature is above 105 degrees F, the dog may be suffering from heatstroke.
Dogs only have two ways to cool off – blood vessel expansion and panting. When dogs pant, they evaporate moisture from their tongues, nasal passages, and the lining of their lunch, and this cools them down as air passes over the moist tissue. They also cool off via vasodilation. Blood vessels, especially in the ears and face, expand, bringing overheated blood closer to the surface to cool down. The bottom surfaces of paws can sweat, but not enough to make a difference.
“Heatstroke usually occurs when high ambient temperature overcomes the dog’s ability to dissipate heat. The degree of damage is determined by how high a body temperature is reached and how long the animal is exposed.” says Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC.
Signs to watch out for
Recognizing early signs of heatstroke may help you remedy the condition before things get too serious.
Early signs of heatstroke include heavy panting and rapid breathing, excessive drooling, dry mucous membranes, bright red gums and tongue, skin that’s hot to the touch, and a higher heart rate. Affected dogs become hyperactive and may have difficulty maintaining balance.
An exposure to excessive heat goes on, the dog’s condition worsens and includes signs of shock, pale mucous membranes with white or blue gums, a very rapid heart rate, and a drop in blood pressure. The dog hyperventilates, and dehydration becomes more severe. Pupils dilate, the pulse becomes more irregular, and the dog has muscle tremors. They may become lethargic and unwilling to move, urinate or defecate uncontrollably, collapse and become comatose.
Why does heatstroke occur?
Heatstroke generally occurs during the hottest part of the year, especially when it is humid. Contributing factors include:
- Breed
- Age
- Physical fitness
- Weight
- Medical disorders
- Environment
- Water
- Acclimation
How to treat heatstroke
Heatstroke therapy involves immediately trying to lower the dog’s body temperature. If you notice signs of heatstroke in your dog, it is critical to stop any activity and help your dog cool down by:
- Walking or carrying your dog to a well-ventilated, cool area
- Spraying or sponging the dog with cool (not cold) or tepid water, especially on the underside. Do not immerse the animal in cold water.
- Using a fan to blow cool air on them
If you have a rectal thermometer, you should take your dog’s temperature. According to Dr. John Hamil, DVM, if the temperature is less than 105 deg F, you should still consider this an emergency and immediately call your veterinarian. If the temperature is higher than 105 deg F, try to reduce the dog’s temperature to 103 deg F and then immediately bring your dog to your veterinarian or an emergency vet after hours or on weekends. It is important to let a veterinarian determine the level of severity and make a recommendation on how to best treat your dog.
Immediate action and correct treatment are so important as they can mean the difference between a complete recovery and long-term complication or even death.
Prevention is the best medicine
Your dog lives to please you. If we ask them to walk, run, hike, play fetch, they’ll do it with enthusiasm. So it is up to you to keep the weather in mind and limit your dog’s exposure to hot and humid temperatures. We know boxers are always full of energy and playtime is important. Simply pick a cooler time of day like first thing in the morning or in the evenings for play time.
Always provide plenty of fresh cool water, shade, and frequent rest periods when it is hot. And remember to NEVER leave your dog in the car.
Written by Cricket Poston Huff
Edited by Kim Urban
