GotoAID Dogs - Heatstroke (Hyperthermia)

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Heatstroke (Hyperthermia)

Heatstroke is very common for pets as they have trouble keeping their bodies cool especially when the surrounding temperatures are extremely hot. Since your pet can not sweat to regulate body temperature they have to pant to get rid of excess heat. When the outside air temperature is equal to or higher than a pet's body temperature which is 99 F - 102.5 F or if the pet is in the sun, heat stroke can occur. If first aid is given immediately your pet will likely recover within an hour. If the body temperature is above 105 F your pet can go into shock and have organ failure. In this case provide first aid and get emergency vet assistance.

Symptoms

Bright Red Tongue	Pet Seeking Cooler Environment
Bright Red Gums	Drooling
Pale White Gums	Depression
Weakness	Collapse
Excess Panting	Rapid Heart or Pulse Rate
Difficulty Breathing	Weak Pulse
Shallow Breathing	Fever (Temp >103 ℉) (Temp >41℃)
Increased Drinking	Unconscious
No Longer Drinking

Steps

Get your dog out of the heat ASAP and into a cool environment with fans and air conditioning and if possible take your dog's rectal temperature immediately

If the temperature is over 105 F spray water or rubbing alcohol on his feet, wrap your dog in cold wet towels and put ice packs in his groin and armpits, and get him to the veterinarian immediately.

To reduce the allergic reaction give 1 mg Benadryl per pound of body weight

Elevate your dog’s legs with cool soaked towels to help increase blood flow to the brain and heart.

Provide a cold water for your dog to drink

Place an ice pack wrapped in a towel or an instant cold pack wrapped in a towel to the head only to accelerate cooling of the brain.

Keep the car cool during the drive by turning on the A/C and put your dog in front of the air vent

Warnings

If the body temperature is higher than 105 F see a vet immediately

DO NOT give anything by mouth to your dog

DO NOT wrap him in a blanket

Severe heatstroke can damage organs, make sure you see a vet immediately

Tips

Make sure to keep your dog brushed and not matted to prevent any problems with air circulation

If your dog is in a crate make sure there is proper ventilation

Heat stroke no matter how mild it seems has the potential to be very serious. Your pet will require intensive care & monitoring at a veterinary hospital.

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