Heat Stroke

Brachycephalic Breeds (Bull dogs, Pugs, Pekinese), animals with heart or lung disease, history of heat stroke, or upper respiratory infections, are more likely to have heatstroke. However, any dog can be affected by it.

Causes

• Hot weather
• Confined to concrete or asphalt
• Excessive exercise
• Confined without shade
• Left in a car
• No fresh water
• Being muzzled and put under a hair dryer

Symptoms

• Panting Seizures
• Excessive drooling
• Lying down and unwilling/unable to get up
• Increased body temperature
• Loss of consciousness
• Vomiting
• Thick saliva Dark Red gums
• Dizziness or disorientation
• White or blue gums – your pet is in the advanced stages of heat stroke

Treatments

• Move your dog out of the heat and sun right away
• Take the dog’s temperature with a rectal thermometer every 10 minutes.
• Stop cooling the dog when the body temperature reaches 103 degrees
• Gradually lower your dog’s body temperature by cooling your dog.
  DO NOT USE COLD/ ICE COLD WATER
  
  • Spray with the hose
  • Immerse the body in cool water for up to 2 minutes.
  • Place cool wet rags/washcloths on the body. Be sure to cool the paw pads off, too.
  • Place isopropyl alcohol on paw pads, groins, and under the forelegs (evaporative cooling)
• Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog’s mouth
• Call your Vet right away.

Download the Heat Stroke Handout and view Summer Tips.