Recognizing and Preventing Heat Stroke in Pets this Summer

(Newswire.net — July 2, 2019) Bend , OR — As the dog days of summer bring rising temperatures and a hot sun, it’s important for pet owners to recognize the dangers of heat stroke and understand how to keep their furry, four-legged friends safe.

While dogs do have some sweat glands, their internal cooling system consists primarily of panting. If a dog can’t cool itself through panting, then its temperature will continue to rise to a dangerous level where heat stroke can occur. If not treated immediately, heat stroke can lead to brain damage, organ failure and ultimately, death.

Dr. Chad Moles, chief veterinarian at Blue Sky Veterinarian Clinic in Bend, Ore., advises pet owners to watch for the signs of heat stroke.

“Heat stroke can occur when your dog’s temperature becomes too high, typically anything over 106 degrees Fahrenheit,” explained Dr. Moles. “There are a number of ways your pet can get overheated, from excessive exercise during the heat of the day, being locked in a hot car or being left outside with no access to shade or water, so it’s important to learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of overheating,” he said.

Pets at greatest risk of heat stroke are young, old or overweight animals. Several of the signs to watch for heat stress and heat stroke include the following:

• Excessive panting and drooling
• Glazed, stressed eyes
• Rapid pulse and increased anxiety
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Bright or dark red gums and tongue
• Lack of coordinated movement and staggering
• Body temperature between 104-110 degrees
• Lethargy or mental dullness
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

If your pet exhibits any of these signs, it’s critical to get them to a cool, shady area to lower their body temperature if possible, before taking them to the vet. That could include soaking your pet with cool – not icy – water and offering them drinking water or ice cubes. If it appears they’re not responding to attempts to cool them down, transport them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Dr. Moles offers the following tips on how to keep your pet safe from heat stress and heat stroke this summer:

• Leave your pet at home in a cool, shady area rather than taking them with you in the car. It doesn’t take long for temperatures inside the car to reach dangerous levels. If you are traveling with your pet, make sure they’re kept in dog crates with good ventilation and never ever leave them in an enclosed vehicle, even for a few minutes. A car can still overheat with windows opened an inch or two.
• Consider exercising your dog in the mornings and evenings, when temperatures are cooler, rather than in the middle of the day.
• Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water and reliable shade when outside. You can even offer them water to play in, such as a kiddie pool. 
• Visit a groomer to shave a long-haired or extra furry dog during summer months in order to keep them cooler.  

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, even on a 70-degree day, the inside of vehicle can be as much as 20 degree hotter. Furthermore, on an 85-degree day, it only takes 10 minutes for the temperature inside the car to reach 102 degrees.

“If you see a pet enclosed in a vehicle on a hot day and can’t find the owner, then call 911 and stay close by until help arrives,” said Dr. Moles. “You could be saving a pet’s life.”