Heat stress is a state of acute hyperemia which results from imperfect heat regulatory mechanism in opposition to extreme environmental heat. Heat stress is a common problem in dog and it can even kill a dog if proper care is not taken in time.
Dogs do not produce sweat for regulation of body temperature. Dogs have sweat glands on the pads of their paws and on their noses. Panting which involves rapid shallow breathing that causes evaporation of fluid on the tongue, helps the dog to get rid of heat.
What are the factors responsible for heat stress?
The factors responsible for heat stress are
(a) Hot sunny days and also during humid days.
(b) Drinking less water during during hot days.
(c) Leaving the dog alone in vehicle without proper ventilation.
(d) Excessive exercise during hot humid days.
Which dog is more susceptible to heat stress?
Extremely fat or overweight dogs or dogs that have respiratory problems, short nosed breeds of dogs, such as boxers, bull dogs, pugs, pekingese and double coated breeds such as chow chows are more susceptible to heat stress. Young and old dogs are also more susceptible to heat stress because they have less tolerance to heat.
What are the signs and symptoms of heat stress?
Dog suffering from heat stress exhibit the following signs
(a) Dull and depressed look with a dry skin
(b) Sunken eyes, conjunctival congestion of eye
(c) Red mucous membranes in the mouth
(d) Panting and rapid breathing with protruded tongue
(e) Drooling of thick clear saliva
(f) Frothy discharge from nose and mouth
(g) Increased temperature of about 105°F or higher
(h) Rapid or fast heartbeat.
(i) Decreased mental awareness
(j) Convulsions and unconciousness in extreme cases
How to treat a dog suffering from heat stress?
A dog suffering from heat stress is treated in the following way
(a) Keep the dog in a well ventilated room with air conditioner or fan
(b) Keep the dog away from direct sunlight in a shady place
(c) Run cool water over the tongue and mouth of the dog
(d) The dog should given bath preferably with ice cold water
(e) Rub ice block over the skin of the dog
(f) Allow the dog to lick ice block
(g) Provide cold drinking water to the dog
If the dog is convulsing or collapsed spray their coat with cool water or cover them with a wet towel and don’t put them in a bath. The dog must be taken to a veterinary doctor as soon as possible. The following treatment are given by a vet
(a) Cold normal saline drip - If the dog is dehydrated
(b) Steroid (Dexamethasone) – To prevent shock
(c) Broad spectrum antibiotic – To prevent infection
(d) Rectal temperature is checked every 10 minute interval till it reaches 103°F
How to prevent heat stress in dog?
The following points should be taken to prevent heat stress
(a) Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening
(b) Don’t expose them directly in the sun during hot, humid days
(c) Keep the dog in well ventilated room with air conditioner or fan
(d) Don’t leave your dog alone in a ill ventilated vehicle
(e) Park vehicle in the shade and leave the windows open slightly
(f) Always carry fresh, cold water when you are outside with your dog
(g) During hot, humid days if your dog is outside there should be a shady place
Dogs do not produce sweat for regulation of body temperature. Dogs have sweat glands on the pads of their paws and on their noses. Panting which involves rapid shallow breathing that causes evaporation of fluid on the tongue, helps the dog to get rid of heat.
What are the factors responsible for heat stress?
The factors responsible for heat stress are
(a) Hot sunny days and also during humid days.
(b) Drinking less water during during hot days.
(c) Leaving the dog alone in vehicle without proper ventilation.
(d) Excessive exercise during hot humid days.
Which dog is more susceptible to heat stress?
Extremely fat or overweight dogs or dogs that have respiratory problems, short nosed breeds of dogs, such as boxers, bull dogs, pugs, pekingese and double coated breeds such as chow chows are more susceptible to heat stress. Young and old dogs are also more susceptible to heat stress because they have less tolerance to heat.
What are the signs and symptoms of heat stress?
Dog suffering from heat stress exhibit the following signs
(a) Dull and depressed look with a dry skin
(b) Sunken eyes, conjunctival congestion of eye
(c) Red mucous membranes in the mouth
(d) Panting and rapid breathing with protruded tongue
(e) Drooling of thick clear saliva
(f) Frothy discharge from nose and mouth
(g) Increased temperature of about 105°F or higher
(h) Rapid or fast heartbeat.
(i) Decreased mental awareness
(j) Convulsions and unconciousness in extreme cases
How to treat a dog suffering from heat stress?
A dog suffering from heat stress is treated in the following way
(a) Keep the dog in a well ventilated room with air conditioner or fan
(b) Keep the dog away from direct sunlight in a shady place
(c) Run cool water over the tongue and mouth of the dog
(d) The dog should given bath preferably with ice cold water
(e) Rub ice block over the skin of the dog
(f) Allow the dog to lick ice block
(g) Provide cold drinking water to the dog
If the dog is convulsing or collapsed spray their coat with cool water or cover them with a wet towel and don’t put them in a bath. The dog must be taken to a veterinary doctor as soon as possible. The following treatment are given by a vet
(a) Cold normal saline drip - If the dog is dehydrated
(b) Steroid (Dexamethasone) – To prevent shock
(c) Broad spectrum antibiotic – To prevent infection
(d) Rectal temperature is checked every 10 minute interval till it reaches 103°F
How to prevent heat stress in dog?
The following points should be taken to prevent heat stress
(a) Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening
(b) Don’t expose them directly in the sun during hot, humid days
(c) Keep the dog in well ventilated room with air conditioner or fan
(d) Don’t leave your dog alone in a ill ventilated vehicle
(e) Park vehicle in the shade and leave the windows open slightly
(f) Always carry fresh, cold water when you are outside with your dog
(g) During hot, humid days if your dog is outside there should be a shady place
I have found that one of the ways around this is to condition, condition, ear drops for dogs
ReplyDeleteDog Health Care! Helping Your Dog Beat the Heat This Summer!
ReplyDeleteIt's summertime! Summer is a gorgeous season both for dogs and humans. But if you are not cautious ample, the hot temperature can kill your pup. Dogs can profit heat act, just bearing in mind humans. This year the temperature is too tall, and it’s a greater risk than sufficient. The hotter the temperatures, the greater the risks. The temperatures are becoming extremes because of the global warming. This year in Sydney the highest temperature in the city's archives ever recorded is 45.8 degrees. So be cautious. Take care of yourself and your pup too. Remember that your dog cannot icy himself off as you get your hands on. So you must make reach that your dog is to your liking and out of danger during this summer. Read More about dog health care.