Vet discusses dangers of canine heat stroke | Health

The summer heat has set in, which means pet owners need to take precautions to ensure their dogs do not suffer from heat stroke.

According to Dr. Carr Kelsey of the Kelsey Canine Medical Center in Collierville, dogs struggle with heat just as much as humans. They can suffer from heat stroke and heat exhaustion in just a short period of time.

Dogs already have a higher normal body temperature than humans of around 101.5°F. Unlike people, dogs have very limited sweat glands located in the pads of their paws. These glands can not sufficiently cool the dog off, which is why they also pant.

A heat stroke occurs when a dog's cooling mechanisms fail to keep up with external heat sources and can no longer keep the body's temperature within a safe range. A moderate heat stroke occurs when body temperatures are between 103°F-106°F and severe heat stroke occurs with temperatures over 106°F.

Both require immediate veterinary attention since they can lead to multiple organ failure or even death.

Here are some early signs of canine heat stroke:

• Distress
• Excessive panting
• Hyperventilating
• Excessive salivating

Later symptoms include:

• Weakness
• Confusion
• Dry gums
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pale, bluish or bright red gums
• Slowing breathing efforts
• Shallow breathing
• Seizures

According to Dr. Kelsey, heat stroke generally occurs in hot summer weather. Dog owners should take the necessary precautions to keep their pets safe:

• If your dog spends a lot of time outside, make sure he or she has access to shade and plenty of water.
• Never leave your dog unattended in a car. On hot days, the internal temperature of a parked car can reach up to 140°F.
• Avoid excessive and vigorous exercise with your dog on hot days.
• Carry a portable water dish or leave your dog at home if you go out for a run.
• Older dogs, obese dogs and dogs with respiratory diseases are at greater risk for heat stroke. Even normal activity for these dogs can be dangerous in the heat.
• Long-haired dogs or dogs with thick undercoats are more likely to suffer from heat stroke when left in the heat.
• Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs such as pugs, boxers and bulldogs) are at greater risk because their airways are already restricted.
• Do not leave a muzzle on your dog.

If your dog has symptoms of heat stroke, follow these steps:

1. Immediately remove your dog from the heat. If possible, move the dog indoors in front of a fan.

2. Call your veterinarian immediately. If it is after hours, contact your local pet emergency center. Keep a rectal thermometer in your home for your dog and take his temperature so you can report it to the vet.

3. Start cooling your dog by placing cool, wet towels over the back of the dog's neck, in his armpits and between his back legs. You may also wet the ear flaps and the pads of the paws with cool water. Do not use ice water or extremely cold water.

4. If your dog shows interest in drinking water, offer him fresh, cool water. Do not force your dog to drink or pour water into his mouth.

5. Bring your dog to a veterinary clinic or pet emergency center immediately.