Tips to Avoid Heatstroke
During a hot day, heatstroke can strike anywhere, at any time.
Your dog's average body temperature is regulated by the hypothalamus, a tiny structure in the brain responsible for coordinating a vast number of metabolic functions. It achieves its goal of maintaining equilibrium, also known as homeostasis, by controlling endocrine glands within the body.
Provide your friend with plenty of fresh water at all times during hot days.
As the internal temperature increases, the hypothalamus reacts by jumping into action and sending signals to the nervous system and organs to initiate their "cool-off plan" as quickly as possible. The body achieves this naturally through any of these 4 methods:
Evaporation, where the behavior is characterized by panting.
Conduction, where your dog looks for a cooled surface to lie down.
Convection.
Radiation.
This chain reaction causes heart rate and breathing to speed up as the body restricts blood flow to the kidneys and spleen. The longer the high temperature is sustained, the longer the stress on the body as it tries to continuously bring the temperature back to an average level.
Heatstroke occurs when the body temperature reaches anywhere from 104.9-109.4°F. It can happen anytime, anywhere, and not only when it's hot outside. Some of the signs your dog is experiencing heatstroke include:
Excessive salivation.
Uncontrollable panting.
Dry and/or bright, red-colored tongue and mouth.
Muscle tremors.
Vomit.
Bloody diarrhea.
Seizures.
Time is of the essence, and you must get veterinary help immediately if you notice any of these signs on your dog. Cooling therapy must be initiated to reduce temperature safely below 103.4°F and stopping to avoid organ damage. And this can only be achieved by medical professionals using the right equipment.
Spraying your dog with cold water, wrapping the body with wet towels, or forcing to drink may result in disaster as the body can get into shock due to increased constriction of blood vessels.
Keep in mind veterinarians will do everything in their power to save your dog's life. But once heatstroke strikes, the prognosis is dire, and only time will tell. Surviving heatstroke after 24 hours of cooling therapy is rare.
Prevention is the word.
The good news is that heatstroke can be prevented, and your dog should never experience it in his/her life as long as you keep him/her safe.
This includes:
Never taking your dog on a car ride when the outside heat index will be above 75°F, and you know you will have to leave him/her inside the car. Forgetting a dog inside a hot car is the #1 cause of heatstroke. Lowering windows even on a hot day may result in your pet's body responding inadequately to the hot air temperature.
Never exercising (running or walking) your dog outdoors when the heat index is higher than 75°F. Remember, your pet's skin is covered in fur and will act as insulation up to a point. Just because it is cloudy does not mean it is not hot for your pup.
Never leaving your dog inside a room that may become too hot, including garages or rooms facing the sun.
If you go outside for an extended period, you should provide adequate shade for your dog and use fans or misters.
Always provide your dog with clean, cool water.
We all hope you and your friends enjoy a happy, safe summer!
