HEATSTROKE in Pets:

CAUSES, PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Dwight E. Cochran, D.V.M., MS

Wendell, NC

We are currently in the grip of a dramatic heat wave across most of the United States and our pets are in a unique position to need extra care and concern during this high heat index.

Our Pets Don’t Sweat

Humans have sweat glands throughout many areas of our body, some concentrated in specific regions, but most dogs only perspire in their paws between the pads. Most folks realize that the way our pets address excess heat is to PANT. The issue is that when the outside air being breathed in is excessively hot, they can’t dissipate their body heat efficiently. The other problem they encounter is that they wear a “fur coat” year-round which intensifies the retention effects of the excessively hot air in their environment by retaining heat within their bodies.

A Practical Approach to Dealing with High Outside Temperatures

• Keep pets inside as much as possible in air conditioning so the air they inhale is cooler and will allow body heat to dissipate.
• Remember that dark-colored pets will absorb more of the sun’s rays and heat…pay special attention to pets with dark haircoats.
• Provide plenty of fresh water…adding ice cubes can keep it cooler longer, even outside. Some of us prescribe oral electrolytes (containing charged particles of sodium, potassium, chloride, etc.) but those sometimes are “strange” to the taste and pets may not drink the water they need to consume to maintain hydration and cooling.

     Many of my clients have asked about the use of Gatorade-like electrolyte products…which may be useful BUT may reduce water consumption which is counterproductive…consult your veterinarian before adding anything to their water except ice cubes.

     Limit exercise and exertion: a gentle walk is great to keep all the rest of the body in harmony, but limit exposure to the heat to time necessary for eliminations to occur…this is not a time to toss the ball or play chasing games.

What Does Heatstroke Look Like? 

History: A history of being 1) enclosed in a vehicle, 2) exercised strenuously, or 3) exposed to sun without access to shade may be noted. In some cases, routine exercise/activities may precipitate heatstroke during the first few summer days of high heat and humidity because the dog has not become acclimated to the seasonal change. Transportation to an area of high heat/humidity can also result in heatstroke in dogs unaccustomed to the new location.

The most common physical abnormalities include collapse, panting, shock, evidence of spontaneous bleeding (patches of blood under the skin, vomiting blood, blood in the stool, etc.), stupor, rapid heart rate, and dehydration. In one study, 35% of heatstroke victims experienced seizures at or before presentation. Of these patients, 47% were acting confused or dazed and 24% were comatose. 

What to do if your pet suffers heatstroke… 

• Remove the pet from the high temperature environment and bring inside to air conditioning and/or cool with a fan.
• Wet all the paws and face with cool water compresses
• Offer ice cubes…one-at-a-time if they are conscious
• If the pet has collapsed or seems to be dazed: soak a blanket in cool water and transport to the veterinary hospital. Call them to tell them you are enroute with a pet that appears to be suffering from heatstroke so they can be prepared to care for the pet as soon as you arrive. Time is of the essence.
• Treatment at the hospital level is dictated by the assessment of the patient by the attending veterinarian…but needs to begin as soon as possible and needs to be as aggressive as the situation dictates. Cooling by water blankets, intravenous fluids and other modes are often combined based upon the veterinarian’s assessment.