HEAT STROKE A BURNING ISSUE IN DOGS DURING HOT WEATHER

Heat stroke is a serious condition resulting from extremely high body temperature (rectal temperature of 105 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit). Summer month often have days that are extremely hot (and it seems as though the weather has become "too hot - too fast").Heat stroke in dogs is not all that uncommon. Dogs do not have an efficient method of handling heat stress because they wear their fur coat all year long and they do not sweat. Abnormally high body temperature (also called hyperthermia) develops after increased muscular activity with impaired ability to give off heat, due to high heat and humidity or respiratory obstruction. Allowing a dog to remain in a car with closed windows on a hot summer day is probably the most common cause of heat stroke. Normal dogs dissipate some heat from their skin; however, panting allows evaporation of water from the respiratory tract and is an effective method of heat dissipation. When these mechanisms are overwhelmed, hyperthermia and heat stroke usually develop. Heat stroke is most common in the large breeds and in dogs with short noses, so mastiffs are in the group of dogs that are most susceptible to this problem. The most common clinical signs of heat stroke are weakness, loss of balance, excessive panting, roaring breathing sounds, excessive salivation, decrease in mental awareness, collapse and coma and even Death from heat stroke can occur pretty quickly. 

 First Aid
 

Immediate treatment is critical to success when dealing with heat stroke, so delays are potentially harmful, or fatal. Immediate give bathes or rinses of cool water (not cold water). If the water is too cold or if ice is used to cool a heat stroke victim, it can cause a decrease or loss of skin circulation, which can delay cooling. Use fans, take him to air conditioning, or sponge the groin area, tummy area, wet his tongue, place rolled up wet towels against his head, neck, tummy, and between his legs. When his temperature drops to 104 F or 103 F, stop cooling efforts. Cooling too fast or too much can cause other problems and Once  your pet  is stabilized  get him to a veterinarian  for further check up and supportive treatment.

Prevention

Here are few tips to prevent this problem in your dog.

1.    Exercise your dog gradually. Don't over do it. Don't go for a five-mile run on the first nice day of the season. This is especially true if your dog is older, obese or has a heart or lung problem.

2.    If it is hot and your dog is panting hard - stop what you are doing. Allow him to cool down and stop panting before continuing.

3.    ALWAYS make sure your dog has plenty of fresh clean water available.

4.    NEVER EVER leave your dog inside a hot car, period not for 20 minutes, even not for 2 minutes. If it is hot outside, don’t take your dog with you stay in the car with him and keep the air conditioner running.

5.    Remember - if you are uncomfortable, your pet probably is, too.