Heat Stroke in Your Pets!!!

Yes, this time of year is concerning, as regards heat prostration in our pets.  The results of excess heat exposure to our dogs and cats can be devastating, and obviously, life threatening.  Leaving your pets in the car, even with the windows cracked, and with outside temperatures of only 70 degrees farenheit, life threatening heat exhaustion can impose on our beloved critters in a mere 10 minutes or so.  I also like to emphasize to pet owners that dogs are not evolved for long distance running in most cases.  They are in fact, short distance sprinters.  That being said, as with any athletic endeavor, animals can be conditioned for jogging, to a point. 
Again, it can take only minutes of extreme heat to trigger a heat stroke condition in your pets.  Signs can be as subtle as simply acting tired and panting excessively, to complete collapse or even rapid loss of consciousness, and death.  For animals afflicted, but treated fairly rapidly, there is concern for damage to organs like the liver and especially, the kidney.  Note that heat stroke is considered a 'true' pet emergency.  First steps, on your way to the vet office, are to immediately hose down the dog, in an attempt to cool body temperatures that can reach above 106-108 degrees (normal 102.5 - 103 ).  Keep a digital thermometer and cold, or ice water along as you journey out with your pets.  Common sense suggests that you only jog at times of the day when temperature extremes are less concerning, as in early morning or later in the evening. 
Again, keep your veterinarian's phone number, or the number for the closest veterinary emergency hospital, close by.  In summary, be aware of heat as it impacts your pets.   Remember, they carry their fur coats on all the time.  And, be aware that actions like grooming your pets down for the hot summer season, are logical and correct, but the sun can cause sunburn to sensitive and exposed areas of skin, as exists around the muzzle area.  Have a great end of summer, and take proper precaution on behalf of your family pets.  Fondly,  Dr. Doug Pernikoff at the Clarkson-Wilson Veterinary Clinic, Chesterfield, Missouri
314-761-8583 for appointments.