Heat Stroke in dogs.

What is Heat stroke?

Heat stroke or heat stress is a case of extreme hyperthermia that results in thermal injuries to the tissues. It is a very serious condition that can lead to multiple organ damage and even failure, this includes the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, the blood system and the brain - these all can be fatal.

What causes this?
When the heat generations exceeds the body's natural ability to loose heat, causing the body to overheat.

What can add to the risks of Heat Stroke?

• A warm, hot or humid environment
• Lack of water and shade
• Lack of ventilation
• Obesity
• Short nose breed dogs
• Respiratory issues
• Cardiovascular disease
• Elderly or younger dogs.
• Central Nervous system issues.

What are the signs of Heat Stroke?

Symptoms may vary but can include;

• Constant panting
• Weakness, fatigue
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Muscle tremors
• Muscle spasms
• Signs of confusion, delirium
• Staggering
• Laying down or collapsing

How to lessen the chance of your dog suffering from Heat Stroke;
Provide your pets with plenty of cool shaded area that has plenty of ventilation at all times. Adequate air flow is vitally important to allow dogs to cool down via evaporative cooling (panting)

Plenty of clean, fresh water and extra in case of spillage.

Bring your pets indoors if possible on the hotter, humid days, allowing them access to open windows, air conditioning, shade or fans if able to.

If your pet is required to stay outside, move their bedding into the shade, some dogs may continue to lay in their bedding even if in direct sunlight.

Don't exercise your pets in hot, humid conditions. Try and walk them as early as possible or later in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.

DO NOT leave your dog lock in a vehicle, even when the windows are down it is too easy for a dog to overheat and pass away in a short period of time.

How to treat Heat Stroke?
Firstly, a vet should be contacted immediately. Given the seriousness of this condition it is a lot safer to get your dog examined before its too late.

Initial treatment should begin at home to try to normalise the body's temperature. Apply or spray cool water on the pet’s fur or skin and fan the wet fur. Do not use extremely cold water or ice as this may exacerbate the problem.