With the incredibly hot temperatures we have been experiencing these last few months and according to our weather bureau, temperatures will start to rise as we head towards the peak of our summer months, here is some information that may help you to identify the symptoms of heatstroke assisting you to possibly save your dog’s life or be able to prevent complications setting in should your dog start to display any symptoms of heatstroke.

Heatstroke is treatable but knowing what to look for and how to treat a dog may be key to saving his or her life as the onset can often take you by surprise escalating into an emergency quickly. Dogs are not as efficient at releasing heat as we are because they are built to conserve heat rather than release it so; they tend to heat up faster than we do. Because of this we may not actually see or realise that a dog has become overheated.

This is what to look for:

Symptoms of overheating include:

• Heavy panting – rapid and loud
• Excessive thirst
• Glazed eyes
• Vomiting and bloody diarrhea
• Bright or dark red tongue, pale gums
• Skin around muzzle and neck doesn’t snap back when pinched
• Staggering
• Elevated body temperature 103ºF( 39˚C) and up
• Weakness and/or fatigue to collapse
• Increased pulse and heartbeat
  Seizures
• Thick saliva and excessive drooling
• Unconsciousness

As the dog’s body temperature starts to rise getting up to 109ºF (41-42˚C) or higher, heatstroke is the result. The cells of the body rapidly start to die. The brain swells, causing seizures. Lack of blood supply to the GI tract creates ulcers. Dehydration leads to irreversible kidney damage. Sadly all these horrendous events take place within a matter of minutes.

The early stages of a heat-related illness can be difficult to assess because it’s normal for dogs to pant when it’s warm or while they’re exerting themselves. Please learn how to take a dog’s temperature (rectally), and have one at home so that you are able to monitor your dog straight away and be able to start taking action quickly. It will be a great help if you have the temperature readings and can then phone to speak to your vet at the onset. Your vet will be better equipped to tell you what to do immediately whilst still at home and whilst you are making arrangements to get your dog to the clinic.

Dogs at Higher Risk

If your dog is one of the following, you’ll need to be extra vigilant about keeping him or her safe from heat-related illness:

• Dogs with flat faces and short noses, also known as brachycephalic, like Pugs, Boston Terriers, Pekinese, Boxers, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus – these breeds don’t pant as efficiently as breeds with longer noses
• Older dogs
• Puppies
• Sick dogs and those with chronic health conditions like heart disease
• Dogs not acclimated to warm weather
• Any healthy dog left outside in hot weather
• Dogs that are over-exercised or are allowed to overexert themselves in the heat

What to Do If Your Dog Gets Overheated

If you think your dog (or any dog) is suffering from heatstroke, you need to take immediate action:

• Immediately move to a shady spot or into a cool room indoors. Removing the heat source is a very important immediate response. If possible take the dog into a building with air conditioning in the room.
• If not see if you can find a fan or improvise with waving a towel or sheet or something to create cool air around the dog.
• You need to cool the dog down with whatever you have as quickly as you can.
• A dog’s heat is dissipated through the bottom of their feet, so if available or possible rub alcohol on the bottom of their feet.
• Pour cool water SLOWLY over the dog’s head and body.
• Drape wet towels over your dog. Please DO NOT leave wet cloths on for too long though, as the fur will get damp.
• If you have a hose that has a gentle spray of water gently hose them literally letting it dribble or lightly spray (do NOT use it at full strength).
• Where it is possible, submerge your dog in a bathtub or tank of cool (NOT cold) water.
• NEVER use ice water or ice. This can increase the symptoms and lead to shock or even cause hypothermia.
• Keep assessing his condition – can he stand? Is he conscious and panting? If so, offer him small amounts of water to drink and take his temperature if possible.
• If he’s at 39.5˚C or lower, stay with him in a cool area and carefully monitor him and keep offering small drinks of water. At this stage a large volume of water all at once might cause him to vomit, adding to the risk of dehydration.
• Use your fingers to spread the fur open and expose the skin underneath so that air can help cool the dog down faster.
• If he is unable to stand on his own, is unresponsive to your voice, touch or the sight of you, or is having seizures, check for breathing and a heartbeat.
• At the same time, if you have someone with you ask them to contact a veterinary hospital urgently. If you are alone call your vet and tell them you are bringing your dog in right away. It’s important to alert the clinic so they can prepare for your arrival.
• Always remember it is extremely important to keep yourself as calm and composed as possible. Remain focused and work systematically to increase the chances of your dog’s survival. Even in this state your dog can sense your panic and may also start to panic, exacerbating the situation.
• Even if the dog does not appear to be suffering from any issues, there may be internal damage. It’s always best to have a check-up with your vet so that you can be reassured that your dog is back to normal and there is no permanent damage either internally or externally.

By Joanna, Trainer