Heat Stroke and Hypothermia
What is heat stroke? Heat stroke is a term commonly used for hyperthermia or elevated body temperature. The normal temperature of your pet is between 101° F and 103° F. If your pet’s temperature exceeds 103° F, it is considered abnormal or hyperthermic. A body temperature above 106° F without previous signs of illness are most commonly associated with your pet being too hot inside a vehicle or outdoor elements. A body temperature of 109° F is a critical temperature where many organs begin to fail and death could occur.
Leaving a pet in the car with little or no ventilation is the most common cause of heat stroke. Your pet’s body temperature can elevate within minutes. Dogs have a small number of sweat glands in their footpads and cannot control their body temperature by sweating as humans do.
Other causes of heat stroke include being left in the backyard without access to shade or fresh water on hot days, being exposed to hair dryers for extended periods of time and excessive or vigorous exercise during hot temperatures.
Dogs with restricted airways (flat-faced dogs such as pugs, boxers, and bull dogs) are at greater risk of heat stroke. Even moderately elevated temperatures can cause signs of heat stroke in these breeds.
Infections that cause fever can also lead to hyperthermia. Sometimes seizures or severe muscle spasms can also elevate the body temperatures due to the increase of muscle action.
Hyperthermia is an immediate medical emergency. The top priority is to safely reduce the body temperature of your animal. One way is to pour cool water over the head, stomach, underarms, and feet or place cool cloths in these areas. Rubbing alcohol may be applied to the foot pads to dilate pores and increase perspiration. Ice may also be placed around the mouth and anus. When the dog’s rectal temperature has fallen to 103° F and is showing signs of recovery, you can discontinue treatment.
Determining prognosis after heat stroke is determined by the following: how high the body temperature elevated, how long it lasted, and the physical condition of the pet. If treated immediately, your pet will most likely recover quickly. Have a fun and safe summer with your pet, and keep the water and shade plentiful.
Leaving a pet in the car with little or no ventilation is the most common cause of heat stroke. Your pet’s body temperature can elevate within minutes. Dogs have a small number of sweat glands in their footpads and cannot control their body temperature by sweating as humans do.
Other causes of heat stroke include being left in the backyard without access to shade or fresh water on hot days, being exposed to hair dryers for extended periods of time and excessive or vigorous exercise during hot temperatures.
Dogs with restricted airways (flat-faced dogs such as pugs, boxers, and bull dogs) are at greater risk of heat stroke. Even moderately elevated temperatures can cause signs of heat stroke in these breeds.
Infections that cause fever can also lead to hyperthermia. Sometimes seizures or severe muscle spasms can also elevate the body temperatures due to the increase of muscle action.
Hyperthermia is an immediate medical emergency. The top priority is to safely reduce the body temperature of your animal. One way is to pour cool water over the head, stomach, underarms, and feet or place cool cloths in these areas. Rubbing alcohol may be applied to the foot pads to dilate pores and increase perspiration. Ice may also be placed around the mouth and anus. When the dog’s rectal temperature has fallen to 103° F and is showing signs of recovery, you can discontinue treatment.
Determining prognosis after heat stroke is determined by the following: how high the body temperature elevated, how long it lasted, and the physical condition of the pet. If treated immediately, your pet will most likely recover quickly. Have a fun and safe summer with your pet, and keep the water and shade plentiful.