Hot Dogs are Not Happy Dogs!

As we move into summer, many people will be flocking to the beach for some fun & sun.  In an effort to promote pet safety, the Red Cross is urging pet owners to learn how to prevent and treat heat stroke in dogs.

Heat stroke occurs whena dog severely overheats - most commonly in the spring & summer months - when the weather turns warm.  The good news is if the heat stroke hasn't advanced too far (with body temperature of less than 104 degrees F), you can help your dog recover.

It is important to know if you dog has a predisposition to heat stroke - which is true of dogs with short snouts such as bulldogs, pugs and many other breeds.  Common causes of heat stroke include:  a previous episode of heat stroke, dog left in a parked car, excessive excercise in hot humid weather (this may be excercise that your dog can usually handle, but not in warmer weather), lack of appropriate shelter for an animal outdoors, thick-coated dogs in warm climates and underlying diseases such as upper airway, heart or lung disease.

NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A PARKED CAR!!  Even with the the windows cracked, you pet can quickly suffer heat stroke - and even die.  Temperatures can exceed 120 degrees in parked cars.

Unlike humans, dogs do not have sweat glands, so they can dispel heat only by panting and through the pads of their feet.  Make sure your pet has plenty of cool water and shade during the hot weather.

Remedies for Heat Stroke:

Get your pet out of direct heat, check for shock, take your dog's temperature, spray your dog with cool water then retake temperature, place water-soaked towels on the dog's head, neck, feet, chest and abdomen, turn on a fan & point it in your dog's direction, rub Isopropyl alcohol (70%) on the dog's foot pads to help cool him but don't use large quantities as it can be toxic if ingested, and immediately take your dog to the nearest veterinary hospital. 

Signs & Symptoms of Heat Stroke include:

Collapse

Body temperature of 104 degrees F or above

Bloody diarrhea or vomit

Depression Stupor

Seizures or Coma

Excessive panting or difficulty breathing

Increased heart rate

Salivation 

The goal is always to decrease the dog's body temperature to 103 degrees F in the first 10-15 minutes.  Once 103 degrees F is reached, you must stop the cooling process because the body temperature will continue to decrease and can plummet dangerously low if you continue to cool the dog.

Even if you successfully cool your pet down to 103 degrees F in the first 10-15 minutes, you must take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible because consequences of heat stroke will not show up for hours or even days.  Potential problems include abnormal heart rhythms, kidney failure, neurological problems and respiratory arrest.

It you are interested in more information on pet safety, check out the Red Cross Dog First Aid guide with DVD.  To purchase your copy, visit the online store.  Cat First Aid guides with DVD's are also available.  Both dog and cat guides are a great reference and make a thoughtful gift!