Hyperthermia is the elevation of body temperature, primarily in response to illness or the environment. Excessive heat and humidity are a deadly combination for man and beast! This is especially true for dogs that are not acclimatized.

Many are under the impression that dogs do not sweat. That is not true. However, where and how much they sweat is not enough to cool them down when distressed. Dogs barely sweat the pads on their paws. A sign of wet paw prints from overheated dog.

The most effective way for a dog to cool down is by panting; especially if they don’t have access to water, fans, air conditioning, or shade.

Being outside between 10 am and 4 pm is particularly dangerous for dogs. Being the hottest hours of the day; most dogs suffering from hyperthermia are affected during those 6 hours.

Prevention is the main goal. However, that is not always possible. The following are the stages of progression to heat stroke. The sooner you realize your dog is in danger and take action, the better chance it will survive.

You have less than 10 minutes to check your dog’s temperature if he has suffered from heat exhaustion. Anything above 103 degrees is dangerous. A body temperature of over 105 degrees for more than 5 minutes is potentially fatal.

Focus on refreshing the key areas, which are the chest, under the arms, the groin, and the foot pads.

heat exhaust

The first stage of overheating is called heat exhaustion. Symptoms include: agitation, labored breathing, heavy panting, increased drooling and salivation, rapid heartbeat, clammy paws, anxiety, whining, disorientation, lethargy, dehydration and/or gums, tongue, inner ear and/or white part of the bright red eyes. .

Heat Prostration

The second state is heat prostration. Signs include: shallow breathing, labored and fluctuating panting, dry mouth, glassy eyes, being off center, unresponsive to commands, pale/gray gums, confusion, unsteadiness due to lack of muscle control, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration and/or or sometimes bleeding. Immediate veterinary assistance is recommended. Call your vet and let them know you’re on your way, so they can be prepared for urgent action.

Heatstroke

The third and possibly fatal stage is heat stroke. Signs include: pale and gray gums, loss of consciousness, straining, barely breathing or gasping, stops breathing, tremors, seizures, lethargic, dehydrated, thick sticky saliva, vomiting, loss of bladder/bowel control, bleeding, coma and death. If the dog’s body temperature exceeds 104 degrees, you have 5 minutes to take it to the nearest veterinarian. If possible, call them so they can be prepared to take urgent action.

Useful tips to prevent hyperthermia

– Keep your dog indoors between 10 am and 4 pm as much as possible.

– Keep your dog well hydrated. Always make sure more than one bucket or bowl of fresh water is accessible at all times.

– A shaded wading pool, with 2 inches of water, not only gives your dog access to drinking water; It’s a fun way to cool down quickly.

– Do the pinch test. Pinch the skin between your shoulder blades. If it doesn’t snap right back into place, dehydration has started.

– Lift your dog’s lip; press his index finger on his gum until it turns white. Release. If it doesn’t turn pink right away, your dog is dehydrated.

– Add ¼ cup of Gatorade or Pedialyte to your buckets of water. They need the extra electrolytes. Encourage them to drink, but only in small amounts at a time.

– If your dog is overheated, do not let him drink water too quickly, or give him ice water. It can cause vomiting, which will only exacerbate your dehydration.

– Walk and moderately exercise your dog only during the coolest hours of the day.

– Carry water and collapsible bowls on long hikes.

– Keep water and container in your vehicle.

– Provide a spray head on a low setting or wash your dog periodically.

– Provide plenty of shade.

– Do not leave your dog outside unattended for more than half an hour, when the weather is hot and humid.

– Give your dog treats of ice cubes or a block of ice, made with a combination of water and Gatorade or Pedialyte to play with. Plain ice cubes work too!

– Wear a cooling collar during walks. They are available at pet stores and online.

– Provide a cooling mat in the summer. They are available at pet stores and online.

– Groom your dog. Matted hair retains body heat.

– Dark-haired dogs need extra concern when exposed to direct sun. Cool them periodically.

– Keep your weight under control. Obese dogs have a harder time cooling down.

-Never leave a puppy, senior or sick dog outside unattended.

– Do not confine your pet in a confined area such as a garage or a plastic cage without proper ventilation.

– If you must leave your dog outside in the summer, take the necessary precautions. Also, have someone check on him. Provide a hose and ask them to clean your dog periodically. Educate them on the signs to look out for and what to do if your dog is in danger.

– If your dog has already suffered episodes related to heat, be more vigilant. They are prone to future problems.

What to do if hyperthermia has begun

– Do not use ice water when treating your dog. It can put them in shock!

– Hold bags of frozen vegetables on the chest, under the armpits, on the snout, and on the pads of the paws. Frozen peas or corn work great!

– Clean under the armpits, the snout, and the pads of the feet with isopropyl alcohol.

– Immediately hose or run cold water on them. Focus on his chest, under his armpits, his muzzle, and the pads of his feet.

– Put your dog in the bathtub and bathe him with cold water.

– Place your dog in the shade and if possible on wet grass, a towel or a mat.

– Put ice chips or squeeze gently with a towel; water mixed with Gatorade or Pedialyte in the corner of the dog’s mouth.

– Place your dog in front of a fan or air conditioner. If possible wet them or place a wet towel on them.

– Obtain veterinary attention as soon as possible.

– When transporting your dog to the vet, put a wet towel over your dog, put him in the front seat near the air conditioning vent.

Brachycephalic dogs, such as Bulldogs, Boxers, and Pugs, are the most common victims of heat-related problems. With its sunken face, short snout, and short head, its shorter upper airway reduces its ability to exhale warm air and inhale cooler air quickly enough to lower its body temperature.

Examples of breeds prone to heat sensitivity include: Boxer, Shar Pei, Great Dane, Mastiff, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, English Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, English Bulldog, Pekingese, Chow-Chow, Rottweiler, Collie , Maltese, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier, Basset Hound, Newfoundland, Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, Bernese Mountain Dog, Saint Bernard, Bichon Frize, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Border Collie, Clumberland Spaniel and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Bottom line: Take extra precautions in the summer. The combination of heat and humidity is deadly. Err on the side of caution. If you suspect your pet has heat exhaustion, prostration or stroke, don’t waste time. Cool them down as quickly as possible, concentrating on key areas, and take them to the nearest vet immediately. Even if your dog responds to your treatment, follow up with your vet. Typically, once an animal experiences heat-related issues, it becomes a constant concern.