Heat Stress

As we move into summer it's important to know the symptoms of heat stress in our animal companions and how to administer first aid when necessary.

Dogs mainly cool themselves by panting. Air is draw in through the nose and out through the mouth. As the air travels over the throat, trachea, and tongue moisture evaporates allowing the heat to be released. A dogs normal body temperature is between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees. If the body temperature rises above 105 degrees the dog is at risk of developing heat exhaustion if the temperature rises to 107 degrees the dog will experience heat stroke. Heat stroke is extremely dangerous and a veterinarian should be contacted immediately.

The signs of overheating:

-excessive panting for long periods of time

-squinting eyes or shaking head

-abnormal gait or unsteady walking

-tongue is abnormally red

Things to have in your first aid kit:

-thermometer

-rubbing alcohol

-instant cold packs

How to prevent heat exhaustion:

-never leave a dog in the car unattended

-allow your dog access to shade

-only crate your dog in open wire crates to maximize air flow

-provide plenty of drinking water

-provide a childs wading pool for the dog to lay in

-exercise the dog in the morning or evening to avoid high temperatures.

What to do if heat exhaustion occurs:

-move the dog to the shade

-allow the dog to lay in water of spray down the feet, forelegs, armpits, and belly of animal.

***Do not place the dog in ice water. This will constrict the blood vessels reducing blood flow and heat loss.

-do not place anything over the dog including wet towels as they restrict the airflow through the fur, causing the heat to be trapped.

-allow the dog to drink small amounts of water

-turn on a fan to increase air flow

-if there is no way to wet down the entire dog you can apply rubbing alcohol to the feet and belly. Rubbing alcohol evaporates very quickly pulling the heat from the dog.

-cold packs can also be applied to the underarms and belly to increase cooling.

-monitor the dogs temperature to stop the cooling process as soon as the temperature returns to normal.