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Hot Under the Collar! Heatstroke in petsBy: Lorelei Prichard DVM Heatstroke, or hyperthermia, occurs when your pet’s body produces or absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. In the summer months, this can occur when prolonged exposure occurs and heat regulating mechanisms are overwhelmed. A temperature between 106-109 degrees is indicative of heatstroke and is a medical emergency! The most common cause of heatstroke in dogs is being left in your vehicle while you make “a short trip” to the store. We all know that a parked car becomes dangerously hot, but did you know that the inside of your vehicle could reach temperatures of 120 degrees in a matter of minutes? “If the temperature outside is 85-degrees, the temperature inside your car can reach 102 degrees within ten minutes. And by 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees,” warns Dr. Susan Brosman of Park Place Animal Hospital. “If your pet’s body temperature approaches 106 degrees, your pet is in danger of heatstroke and organ failure.” The danger of excessively high temperatures is multifold. Severe and prolonged elevations in body temperature can cause cell death, cardiovascular collapse, kidney failure, blood clotting disorders and seizures. There does not appear to be a link between the degree of body temperature elevation and the symptoms your pet may exhibit or the possible outcome, but the amount of time that lapses between identifying heatstroke and initiating cooling can affect his prognosis. Longer times at a certain temperature might have more detrimental effects than shorter periods at a higher temperature. Pets that are overweight, those that have heart or respiratory disease, and those with heavy coats are predisposed to heatstroke, but fit animals are not excluded. Puppies and kittens are at a greater risk than adults. Environmental conditions such as high ambient temperature and humidity and poor hydration can all lead to overheating. Additionally, animals that have had previous episodes of heatstroke are more susceptible to having a repeat event. If your pet becomes overheated, you may observe the following symptoms: unsteadiness, heavy panting, rapid pulse, vomiting, and a deep red tongue. The longer the patient is exposed to hot, humid conditions, the worse the clinical signs become, and deterioration occurs rapidly. Lowering a pet’s excessively high temperature is of utmost importance, but keep in mind that lowering temperature too quickly can be dangerous. The primary goal of treatment is to rapidly normalize your pet’s body temperature to prevent further organ damage. If you suspect heatstroke, verify his temperature rectally with a thermometer and take your pet to your veterinarian. Research has shown that pets that are cooled prior to transport have a 27% greater chance of survival. Park Place Animal Hospital offers these suggestions:
Prevention of heatstroke is the best medicine, and there are several steps you can follow to avoid danger. First, don’t leave your pet in the car once the weather warms up. Secondly, overheating with a hairdryer can occur; avoid the heat setting when drying your dog’s coat. If traveling to a warmer climate, give your pet several days to acclimate before allowing strenuous exercise. Finally, provide shade and free access to water for outside pets, and avoid heat exposure by walking or exercising pets in the morning or late evening. Heatstroke is a dangerous condition and takes the lives of pets (and humans) every year. However, taking proper precautions and recognizing common symptoms can increase your pet’s chance of survival. If overheating does occur, begin cooling immediately and transport him to your veterinarian for evaluation. Copyright © 2009 Lorelei Prichard DVM |
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