Heatstroke in Dogs: A Genuine Emergency Condition

Heat stroke or heat exhaustion, medically termed hyperthermia, is not uncommon in dogs, particularly mid to large breeds and those with short snouts. Dogs have only nominal ability to dissipate body heat, mostly by panting. This action permits core body heat to be lost over a moist surface in the mouth cavity, as air moves over that surface.

A normal body temperature for a dog might range anywhere from 100-102.5°F. When overheating occurs, body temperatures can rise to more than 106°F. By this time, the body physiology may already be undergoing irreversible changes, causing damage and destruction of body cells and harming the kidneys. Full-body shutdown occurs quite rapidly. 

Pet owners are often surprised to learn that a dog or cat left in a car, even with windows cracked and at no more than 75°F, can suffer deadly heat stroke in as little as 15-20 minutes. Unfortunately, the news reports such incidents even with children. The process is no different for pets.

The car isn't the only dangerous place in the summer heat. Folks can be jogging with their dogs, when suddenly their dog drops down, begins panting to excess—maybe even producing copious amounts of thick saliva—and then becomes unresponsive. Death can ensue within minutes.

Prevention is the key. Be sensible—recognize that dogs are not designed for long-distance running. If you're determined to bring your pet along, run very early in the morning or after sunset. Stop frequently for shady rest spots, and always have cool water available for you and your pet.  Be cognizant of signs of hyperthermia. Most commonly, you will note vigorous panting, with gums quickly becoming dry, tacky and very dark red or purple. They become dizzy and may act disoriented. Very soon, dogs will be unwilling to move, lay themselves down and may produce very viscous saliva. They may even lose consciousness. 

The appropriate response can be life-saving. Cooling your dog's core temperature is imperative. If possible, immediately wet them down with water, especially around the neck, and under the arms and legs where blood vessels approach the body surface. If needed, place your dog into a cold bath with ice. If you can, check their body temperature frequently. When the body temperature drops below 103°F, you can expect to see improvement.

I encourage you to rush your dog to a regional emergency clinic, or to your own veterinarian, if available. Chesterfield residents are fortunate; there's an emergency clinic facility in Chesterfield Valley, just west of Boone's Crossing on North Outer 40 Drive at Boone's Crossing. The Midwest Veterinary Referral Center can be reached at 636-536-4991. Their phone number, along with other pertinent emergency information, should be on hand any time you leave home with your pet.  

Your veterinarian will continue to work to bring down your dog's body temperature, possibly with cool water enemas and more. Your pet may need to hospitalized and treated for shock, depending on the animal's clinical condition. 

As you enjoy the outdoors with your family pets, practice sensible and cautionary pet management in order to avoid life-threatening conditions like heat stroke.