Pet Care Information

Though it’s easy for many people to make crass “hot dog” puns about the pets of others whenever dogs die in cars, making news headlines, most dog owners legitimately fear causing heatstroke in their companions. Heat stroke, a condition that is essentially when a dog (or most other mammals of that matter) is unable to purge unneeded heat from their bodies, raises the temperature of their delicate internal organs and causes massive damage to a dog’s living tissue, which can kill even the healthiest dog.

As always, the figurative ounce of prevention is a lot easier to acquire than a cure for heatstroke. Anywhere a dog could become hot without a way to cool down can be a place that causes heatstroke, as can excessive exercise. Keeping your dog’s temperature low is the best way to prevent heatstroke; allow for ventilation, leave a bowl of water, or create a shady place before leaving your dog in hot conditions. Cars bear a special mention because cars allow a lot of to accumulate heat inside but only barely let any warmth out. On a hot day, a car can become a sweltering trap that can cause an agonizing death for any dog left inside too long. It’s best to keep your dog out of a hot car as much as possible.

There are various signs to indicate heat stroke and all of them are easily spotted. Some of these signs include increased panting and faster than normal breathing, which can almost take on a desperate pace, a high pulse, and bright red gums. It is important to treat heatstroke immediately and get some relief for your dog as quickly as possibly as heat stroke can lead to shock or unconsciousness.

If your dog’s condition becomes serious (or its body temperature is around 105 degrees Fahrenheit/40 degrees Celsius, if you have a thermometer on hand), then you have to hurry to keep your dog alive. The dog will need to be moved into a cool area with good ventilation, as well as being soaked in cold water or gently sprayed with cold water from a hose if a tub of ice water isn’t immediately available. Be careful however, as once the dog’s temperature drops back down to a healthy 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius), leaving the dog in cold water any longer (the cooling process is very fast) risks causing hypothermia, so keep a close eye on your pet as he cools down after heat stroke.

Even if your dog’s condition does seem to stabilize, you need to take your dog to a veterinarian immediately. Much like car collisions, the worst effects of heat stroke, such as dehydration or brain damage, can manifest after the danger has apparently passed. This goes double for old dogs and young dogs, both of whom are particularly susceptible to the effects of heat stroke. Death from heat stroke is something that simply shouldn’t happen. It’s easy to prevent, more so than any other affliction that strikes dogs.

Pets Editor

Dog Fancy Magazine - Dog Fancy Magazine is dedicated to the care and enjoyment of pet dogs. Each issue features articles about canine health, dog nutrition, dog behavior and dog breeding.

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