Heatstroke in Dogs

Summer is here and according to the UAE meteorology forecasts we are in for one of the hottest summers yet.

While we are all able to know when we are getting hot and how to keep ourselves safe from sunstroke, our 4 legged friends are not able to communicate with us that they don't feel very well outside in the sun.

Please take note of the following signs that your dog maybe suffering from heatstroke.

Signs of heat stroke include (but are not limited to): body temperatures of 104-110F degrees, excessive panting, dark or bright red tongue and gums, staggering, stupor, seizures, bloody diarrhea or vomiting, coma, death. It is wise to learn how to take your pet's temperature in the event of an emergency.
Brachycephalic breeds (the short-nosed breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs), large heavy-coated breeds, and those dogs with heart or respiratory problems are more at risk for heat stroke.

If you suspect heat stroke in your pet, seek veterinary attention immediately! Use cool water, not ice water, to cool your pet. (Very cold water will cause constriction of the blood vessels and impede cooling.) Do not aid cooling below 103 F degrees - some animals can actually get HYPOthermic, too cold. Offer ice cubes for the animal to lick on until you can reach your veterinarian.

Just because your animal is cooled and "appears" OK, do NOT assume everything is fine. Internal organs such as liver, kidneys, brain, etc., are definitely affected by the body temperature elevation, and blood tests and veterinary examination are needed to assess this. There is also a complex blood problem, called DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation) that can be a secondary complication to heat stroke that can be fatal.

If you have any questions about heatstroke in your pet or a pet you find locked in a parked car, please contact your veterinarian or local animal authorities immediately. This is a very time critical condition.

For further information on how to keep your pet safe this summer please take a look at this very informative link:

http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/summerheathhazards/f/Heatstroke-Overexer...

Please remember that in our tempretures water can get to over 50 degrees which doesn't help your pet at all. You try drinking a bottle left in a car during the heat of the day, and see how little your thirst is quenched.
So fresh cool drinking water must be provided at all times.

If you see signs of a stray in your area, please put some water out for it too.