Dogs cool their bodies by panting to allow water to evaporate from the tongue and mouth membranes. When high humidity is combined with heat, they have more trouble cooling down. They require shade and plenty of water to lower their body temperature in hot weather.
There are two types of heat stroke. The first is heat prostration. One of the most common causes is leaving a dog in a vehicle in hot weather. Even with the windows cracked open, the temperature inside the car can reach dangerous levels in as little as 5 minutes. Being left outside in the heat with no shade or water is another common cause. With no way to cool off, the dog’s internal temperature rises well above normal .
The second, heat cramp, results from too much or too strenuous exercise in hot weather, causing severe muscle spasms. Heat cramp can occur in dogs being worked, raced, trained or exercised outside in hot weather, including dogs running beside a jogger or cyclist.
Breeds Most at Risk of Heat Stroke
Although any breed or age of dog can suffer heat stroke, short-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Boston Terriers, Boxers, Pugs and Pekingese are at high risk, since their breathing is already somewhat compromised by their facial structure.
Other dogs that are more prone to heat stroke are young puppies, elderly dogs, overweight dogs and those with heart or kidney problems.
Symptoms and Treatment of Heat Stroke
A dog suffering from heat stroke will have pale gums, a weak pulse and lethargy. The dog’s rectal temperature can rise as much as eight degrees above the normal temperature of 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit and the dog will pant heavily.
As the problem gets worse, the dog will start to stagger and have trouble standing. When the dog reaches the point of collapse or becomes unconscious, death can follow quickly.
A dog found suffering from heat stroke should be cooled immediately, then rushed to a veterinarian. Immerse the dog in cool (not cold) water, or pour cool water over the dog to lower its body temperature.
Be careful not to let the dog get chilled. If it goes into shock, its body temperature may actually drop below normal.
Heat stroke in any form is a medical emergency, and the dog must be taken to a veterinarian quickly in order to save its life.
Avoiding Heat Stroke in Dogs
Never leave a dog in an enclosed vehicle on a hot day unless it is absolutely unavoidable, in which case the vehicle should be parked in the shade and the dog must be checked on every 10 minutes.
Never leave a dog outside in the heat for any length of time without access to constant shade and plenty of water. A plastic wading pool filled with cold water should be within reach of the dog if it is going to be outside more than a few minutes at a time.
Never exercise a dog during the heat of the day, and don’t over-exercise during hot and humid weather.
Short-nosed breeds should not be left outside in summer, especially if the weather is humid. They need to be inside an air-conditioned building so they can breathe properly.
Terry McNamee - As a community newspaper reporter for nearly 30 years, Terry McNamee won many regional, provincial and national awards for her writing.
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