Pets and Heatstroke: What to do if it Happens!

An increased body temperature caused by environmental conditions is commonly referred to as hykperthermia or heatstroke.

Hyperthermia may be a life-threatening condition, and requires immediate treatment.  A dog's normal body temperature is 100-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and any time the body temperature is higher than 105 degrees Fahrenheit, a true emergency exists.  Heatstroke generally occurs in hot summer weather when dogs are left with inadequate ventilation in hot vehicles.  However, heatstroke may also occur in other conditions, including:

1. When an animal is left outdoors in hot/humid conditions without adequate shade.

2. When exercised in hot/humid weather.

3. When left in a car on a relatively cool (70 degrees Fahrenheit) day.  A study from Stanford University Medical Center found the temperature within a vehicle may increase by an average of 40 degrees Fahrenheit within one hour regardeless of outside temperature.

Other risk factors may be obesity and/or diseases affecting a pet's airway. Keep in mind that prolonged seizures, poisonings (snail bait, xylitol), and many other conditions may cause hyperthermia.  Also, brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds (Pekingese, Pug, Lhasa apso,  Boston terriers, English Bulldog, etc.) are at-risk breeds for heatstroke.

Initially the pet appears distressed, and will pant excessively and become restless. As the hyperthermia progresses, the pet may drool large amounts of saliva from the nose and /or mouth.  The pet may become unsteady on his feet.  You may notice the gums turning blue/purple or bright red in color, which is due to inadequate oxygen.  The pet may progress to shock, seizures, or even coma and death.

What you can do if you suspect heatstroke:

1.  Remove your pet from the environment where the hyperthermia occurred.

2. Move your pet to a shaded and cool environment, and direct a fan on them if possible.

3. If possible, determine the rectal temperature and record it.  Immediately begin to cool the body by placing cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits, and in the groin region.  You may also wet the ear flaps and paws with cool water. 

4. Tranport the pet to the closest veterinary facitily immediately.

What not to do:

1. Do not use cold water or ice for cooling.  While ice or cold water may seem logical, its use is not advised.  It may cause critical changes to the pet's blood pressures.  Tap water is more suitable for effective cooling.  I once treated a case that was the result of heatstroke where the owner responded by throwing the dog into the pool, do not do that.

2. Most pets with hyperthermia have body temperatures greater than 105 degrees Fahrenheit and a reasonable goal that we try to achieve in the veterinary hospital is reducing their temperature  to 103 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Do not attempt to force water into your pet's mouth, but you may have fresh cool water ready to offer should your pet be alert and show an interest in drinking.

Severe hyperthermia is a disease that affects nearly every system in the body. Simply lowering the body temperature may fail to address the potentially catastophic events that often accompany this disorder.  These include kidney or liver failure, shock, cerebral edema, seizures or coma and death.  Therefore, any pet suspected of suffering from hyperthermia should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.  Heatstroke is an emergency and the consequences can be devastating.