This Week Watson Talks About Heat Stroke Signs and Symptoms

What Is Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke can happen at any time of the year, but is most commonly problematic in the summer months. It can occur suddenly and without warning.

Heat Stroke is defined as an increase in core body temperature caused by environmental conditions. The normal body temperature for your dog should be 99-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If your pet’s temperature is above 105, immediate veterinary care is required. Heat stroke is an extremely serious condition that can be fatal.

Why Does Heat Stroke Occur In My Pet?

Humans have the ability to regulate their body temperature through the numerous sweat glands on our bodies. Dogs and cats however, only have a few sweat glands located in their paw pads and around their noses. Dogs and cats are not able to sweat so they regulate their body temperature by panting. When panting is not enough to cool their body, and their temperature continues to rise, this can lead to heat stroke.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Heat Stroke?

There are a number of signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for. It is important to remember that these symptoms can progress quickly and become more severe leading to death.

Early signs of Heat stroke include:

• High Body Temperature
• Restlessness or agitation
• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• Drooling, often very thick saliva
• Change in gum color (dark red, pale, purple, blue)

As the condition worsens, signs and symptoms progress to include:

• Vomiting or diarrhea (possibly with blood)
• Increased heart rate
• Lethargy or collapse
• Dizziness - are they struggling to walk in a straight line?
• Signs of confusion, delirium
• Muscle tremors
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

Heat stroke is not as common in cats, but they can also display the following signs:

• Seeking cooler spots
• Pinpoint bleeding on the skin

What should I do if I think my pet has a heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a serious condition and symptoms should always be treated as an emergency. The quicker you are able to get to your veterinarian the better the outcome for your pet. While making your way to the vet you can put the air conditioner on full and place a wet towel, cool NOT cold, over your pet for the ride. The towel does not need to be tightly wrapped around the pet, but rather just draped to allow the moisture to relieve the heat from the pet's skin. If your dog is able to drink, allow them to have as much water as they want without forcing them to drink.

Prevention Tips

Heat Stroke is completely preventable and knowledge of the signs and symptoms is key. Watson’s tips are:

• Never leave your best Furiend in the car unattended
• Plan car trips- keep the car cool, ensure there are frequent stops, and make water available.
• Avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day
• Ensure that when your pet is outside that there is plenty of available water and easily accessible shade.
• Don’t leave your pet inside hot closed homes or garages.
• Avoid walking your pet on hot surfaces, as their paw pads are extremely sensitive to hot surfaces and can burn easily.
• Dogs traveling in the back of a car or truck are susceptible to burning their paws from contact with the UTE trays. These trays can get extremely hot in the sun, so consider covering them with a suitable material to provide a shaded area.
• Be aware of sunburn, particularly in pets with white, non-pigmented skin and a white color coat. Fair complexion pets will need animal-specific sunscreen and zinc for protection from the sun rays just like you or I .
• Be aware that muzzles restrict a dogs ability to pant which is necessary for them to be able to cool down.

The Best Ways to Beat the Heat

• Treat your bestie to a cooling mat or even cool a ceramic tile or baking tray in the fridge for them to lay on.
• Give them a pupsicle (frozen chunks of ice).
• Fill extra bowls of water in case one gets knocked over.
• Place ice in water bowls to help keep it cool.
• Let your pet splish and splash in a baby pool of their own.
• If your dog is one that needs the exercise, then create fun games with your sprinkler to help keep them cool.

If you suspect your pet has Heat Stroke, contact us at Watson’s Friends Animal Hospital, 941-297-0880, immediately. If we are closed, call your nearest Animal Emergency Service Hospital.

Bradenton Veterinary Emergency
2910 Manatee Avenue W
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-748-0202

Lakewood Ranch Urgent Vets
9620 S.R. 64
East Bradenton, FL 34212
941-277-9700