What Is Heat Stoke?
It’s an exercise elevation in body temperature that cause direct thermal injury to body tissues.The elevated body temperature affects multiple organs including the brain,kidneys,heart and lungs.Heat stroke may occur whenever a dog’s temperature rises above 104 degrees.With the advent of warm summer days owners need to be aware of the danger of heat stroke to their dogs.The hot sun and humid conditions could be a potential danger to your canine companion.
Dogs in hot cars.
The most common cause of heat stroke in dogs is from being left in a car on a warm day, the temperature in a parked vehicle can reach 160 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with partially opened windows.This should never happen,but it does,time and time again. Don’t leave your dag unattended in your car,even with the windows down.Many say,”But I’m only going into the shop for a litre of milk-I’ll just be a minute”. The just a minute’ extends very quickly if the shop is busy or if you happen to meet a talkative friend.The type of car you drive is also relevant.Those with large glass area such as hatchbacks and those that are dark in colour heat up more quickly than other cars. Studies on various makes of popular cars have determined that dark colored hatchback cars heat up the quickest with temperatures reaching 73 degrees centigrade during testing.This was almost double the outside temperature.In six minutes the temperature of most cars us up to 55 degrees centigrade. If your dog is in the car at this temperature, it will be near death.
Another common cause is being left outside with no access or
Hindered access to shade or a water source,Animals tied to trees,trailers or posts are at high risk to this danger.Any dog exercising on a hot,humid day,even with plenty of water can fall victim to heat stroke too. Be careful when exercising your dog in summer. Do it in the early morning or late evening.
Dogs and cats lose heat by panting but there is a limit as to the amount of heat they can shed in this manner.
If you must tether your animal be absolutely sure that it has ample shade.Many animals twist their tether around a post or tree.They get ’strung up by the neck as they wind themselves around the post.Therefore,as well as partial asphyxiation (choking),they cook in the sun.
If you have an animal in an enclosure,be sure that you provide shade.An aluminum kennel in the full sun is nothing other than a giant cooker.Kennels must be in the shade and you should insulate the roof,and aviaries and birdcages must be in the shade for the whole day.
Jogging dogs
Extra care needs to be taken when you are out jogging with your dog this summer. Naturally jog or walk in the cooler times of day,either early morning or late evening,and stop if your dog is struggling to keep up. A dog is so faithful that it won’t want to be left behind and will ignore those vital messages from its body that say ’stop’ and is in danger of collapse from heat stress.Stop regularly to give your dog a rest and a drink,or even better a cooling swim.
What dogs are susceptible to heat stroke?
No matter how healthy your dog is it will not survive if locked in a hot car. However,heatstroke also occurs in other situations, often simply because the weather is hot and humid and people make silly mistakes.
All short nosed breeds of dogs,such as Bull Dogs,pugs and the pekingese,are very susceptible to heat stress.Obese dogs and cats are at risk too,especially small,fat dogs.Dogs or cats with poor circulation and dogs with any respiratory disease are also susceptible.
The biggest risk is from a high ambient temperature in association with high humidity and lack of air circulation-exactly what happens in a car.
How Dogs Keep Cool
Unlike humans, dogs aren’t able to perspire to release excess heat.They regulate their temperature by panting which cools the membranes and blood vessels of the mouth and tongue.Although they have sweat glands on their feet,they rely almost exclusively on panting to dispel excess body heat.
Consider having a sleeping area under your house for your dog.The house will provide excellent insulation.
Naturally, all animals need water and the bowls should always be placed in the shade.In this heat,two water bowls are needed,should one be overturned.
What To Do For Heat Stroke
Heat stroke cause incredible damage.Affected animals will first show excitation,followed by loss of balance and seizures, as the blood vessels in the many other changes in body organs occur.The animals is at grave risk.
Treat heat stroke as an emergency.Get to your vet right away. If you can’t get to your vet immediately the first thing to do is to get your dog cooled off.cool the animal by placing it in a room temperature(not iced)water bath or by housing it.Place the wet animal in front of the fan and apply ice packs to its head,and take his temperature, Continue to check his temperature every 5 minutes, once it reaches 103 degrees, take him out of the water and towel dry.
On the drive to the vet put wet put wet towels on your dog and keep the windows down in the car. Putting ice on the animal is not recommended as this constricts the blood vessels which impedes heat loss. Massaging is thought to improve blood flow and helps to cool him.You should encourage him to drink water or a mixture of water and a product such as pedialyte, but don’t force him.Dogs with heat stroke may not swallow properly and forcing him to drink could make him drown.
Your veterinarian will need to give medication to control any seizures and to prevent further damage being caused to the animal’s brain.He or she may give it a water enema to reduce its body temperature. It is likely that your pet will be placed onto an intravenous drip. Your vet may also anaesthetise your pet to prevent seizures.
The best advice for dog owners is to keep your animal as comfortable as possible during the summer. Make sure there is shade and plenty of cool water always available.Exercise in the mornings or evenings, not during the heat of mid-day.Do not leave your dog in a car or other unventilated area.If heat exhaustion does occur,get veterinary care as soon as possible.
Don’s let your pet under the collar in summer.Be cautious and don’t let the heat claim your pet as its trophy.