Heat stroke in Pets

Now that the warm weather is finally up on us after a long hard winter, we here at the Bowmanville Veterinary Clinic are seeing many people enjoying the outdoors with their dogs.  Outdoor cats, and even some rabbits and pocket pets are also enjoying the sunshine and spending increased time outside.  However with this warmer weather there are hazards that we as pet owners and veterinarians need to be aware of. 

 One of the dangers that comes with this hot weather is heat stroke.  Heat stroke is the elevation in body temperature due to environmental conditions.  A dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 37.5-39.0 C.  Temperatures greater than 41 C eventually lead to organ failure and ultimately death. The most common cause of heat stroke is being left in a car in warm weather, but it can also result from being left outside in the heat with no access to shade and water, or when exercised in hot and humid conditions. It can take less than 5 minutes in a car in the heat of summer to result in heat stroke.  Even on a cooler day the inside of the car can heat up considerably compared to outside temperatures and no animal should be left in the car.

If you have birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas or other small mammals and you place them outside in their enclosure please ensure they have access to shade and water at all time.  It does not take long for these animals to get overheated.

There are some factors that can predispose an animal to heat stroke.  Some of these include age and respiratory conditions.  Brachycephalic breeds (short nosed dogs) such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston terriers are more susceptible to heat stroke due to their anatomy . 

Heat stroke also called hyperthermia requires immediate treatment otherwise it will lead to death. It is important to recognize the signs.  Initially your pet will pant, become restless and then appear distressed.  Often animals are wobbly or disoriented and start to drool excessively.  Eventually the animal’s gum color will change to dark red or purple due to lack of oxygen.

A pet suffering from hyperthermia needs to be removed from the environment immediately and veterinary care needs to be sought.  Move your pet to a cool area and if a fan is available direct this at the animal.  Try to get a rectal temperature and record it.  Place cool wet towels on the animal for evaporative cooling.  Areas that will lead to maximum cooling include the groin, armpits, and the back of the neck.  This can be done while moving the animal to a veterinary facility.

It is extremely important NOT to use ice or cold water to cool the animal.  Cool tap water is recommended.   Do not try to force your pet to take any water, however if your pet is

alert enough to have drink on his/her own that is fine

Severe hyperthermia can lead to multi organ failure and it is important to get your pet to a veterinary facility to be assessed.  Often animals will need intravenous fluids for shock, oxygen therapy and more intensive care depending on the severity of the heat stroke.

Heat stroke is preventable.  Please do not leave your animals in the car even for a few minutes, ensure they have access to shade when outside and on those really hot/humid days plan your walks very early in the morning or late in the evening.  Enjoy the warm weather with your pet, especially after this cold winter we have had, but please be safe.

Brigitte Rudolf, DVM

Bowmanville Veterinary Clinic