Heatstroke to the dog, the causes and preventions

Heatstroke is a problem for dogs during summer, especially in hot, humid areas. Dogs that have the greatest problem often have short noses, such as Boston Terriers, Boxers, French Bulldogs, and Pugs. These are called brachycephalic dogs. Brachycephalic dogs have noses so short the air doesn’t have a chance to cool before it hits the lungs and transfers heat to the blood. About half the dogs sick enough to be taken to veterinary hospitals for heatstroke will die.



Dogs with any of the following characteristics or engaged in the following activities are candidates for heatstroke:

• short noses and flat faces (brachycephalic dogs)


• large bodies,


• long-hair,


• overweight, or


• strenuously working or playing.

Dogs that have had a previous episode of heatstroke are more likely to have another episode than dogs that have never had the problem.

Symptoms of heatstroke include disorientation, collapse, seizures, and coma. The heart beats rapidly and the dog pants. The normal canine temperature is 100-102˚F. Temperatures higher than 106˚F are considered heatstroke. When the temperature reaches 109˚F, organs fail so that the brain, liver, lungs, heart, intestines, and kidneys malfunction.

To prevent heatstroke in your dog, do not leave it in a parked car. Do not dry your dog with a hairdryer for more than a few minutes. If you have a high-energy dog, such as a Jack Russell or Border Collie, or if you have a working police, customs, or border patrol dog, enforce frequent rest periods. Encourage your dog to drink to prevent dehydration. Frequently hose your dog down or place it in a cooling pool. Do this whether your dog is playing, working, or engaged in training.

When cooling a dog, first put alcohol or cold water on the abdomen, groin, and throat so that hot blood flowing through major carotid, jugular, and femoral blood vessels is cooled. Then, hose down your entire dog, and position it so that a fan can blow over it and create evaporative cooling. Do not put ice bags on the extremities (paws and legs) because ice causes blood vessels to clamp down and blood no longer circulates. This leaves hot blood in the chest and abdomen, keeping heat circulating through the brain and internal organs. Stop cooling efforts when your dog’s rectal temperature lowers to 103˚F.

If you have a working dog that must be active during the summer, consider clipping hair or shaving your dog’s groin and belly. Air flowing over the groin and belly helps dissipate heat as the femoral artery passes close to the skin in the groin. Dogs also dissipate heat more easily if the entire undercoat is thinned. Be sure to leave the coat thick enough to prevent sunburn, which is easily done if you remove undercoat rather than outer guard hairs. Your groomer can show you how to do this and which tools are most helpful.

If your dog does overheat, let your veterinarian know so that your pet can be evaluated. Your veterinarian will assess your dog’s blood clotting ability, changes in the intestines that may lead to bloody diarrhea, and changes in the lungs that may lead to pneumonia. Because your dog’s brain can be damaged by heatstroke, discuss the possibility that seizures may occur in the future. To help alleviate stress suffered by the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys, your veterinarian may advise the following nonprescription items:

• Marin to benefit the liver,


• CoEnzyme Q 10 to benefit the heart, and


• Be Well, to benefit the heart, kidneys, and brain.

Knowing the signs of heatstroke and how to cool your dog efficiently, you can prevent this potentially fatal illness. Your canine companion will appreciate everything you do to ensure it stays healthy and avoids heatstroke.

Source: http://www.pethealth101.com/articles/Outdated%20Articles/heatstroke.shtml