As the weather warms up, it is important to brush up on your knowledge of heat stroke in dogs.

Temperature regulation

It is a common misconception that dogs do not sweat. They do sweat! Dogs have 2 types of sweat glands. The first type is called eccrine (merocrine) glands. These are located in the foot pads of dogs, a few of those are found on the area of the dog’s nose. They function to help cool the animal. The second type is called apocrine glands. These are located on most of the rest of the dog but they do not function to cool the animal. Their purpose is to release pheromones. So primarily, dogs regulate their body temperature through panting. Panting moves cooling air over the moist surfaces of the tongue and lungs, transferring heat to the atmosphere. Dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke than humans are. Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating as white coated dogs and short nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are also more sensitive.

Dehydration

An excess loss of body fluids (electrolytes), dehydration involves the loss of water and depletion of electrolytes, which include the essential minerals of potassium, sodium and chloride. You can test if your dog is dehydrated by gently pulling up on the skin at the back of your dog’s neck. If the skin doesn’t immediately spring back to its normal position, your dog may be dehydrated. You can perform another at-home dehydration test by checking your dog’s mouth for capillary refill time. Press your finger against your dog's gums until they turn white, and then remove it. If the gums don’t regain colour immediately, your dog could be dehydrated.

Understanding Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia is a term describing an elevation in body temperature. This increase typically occurs as a response to a trigger, such as inflammation in the body or a hot environment. A poorly ventilated space, sudden exposure to high temperatures, high humidity and limited water access are all factors that may increase your pet’s chance for heat stroke. Other factors that increase your dog’s chance for overheating include obesity, respiratory disease, thick hair coats or jackets, and extensive periods of exercise, such as racing or sporting dogs. Breeds with shortened upper respiratory passageways, such as pugs, and English Bulldogs, are also at increased risk. Certain hormonal problems or even a pet that is already suffering from a fever are also at increased risk. High temperature cause chemical reactions that break down body cells which lead to dehydration and blood thickening. This puts extreme strain on the heart and causes blood clotting (DIC) and subsequent death to tissue. Liver, kidney, heart, brain and intestinal cells are usually the first to be affected and this can occur quickly. Normal body temperature for a dog is about 101 to 102 °F (37,9 to 39,2 °C). If this reaches 106 °F (41, 11 °C), the dog is in danger of brain damage, vital organ failure and death.

Signs of Heat Stroke

The following signs may indicate heat stroke in a dog: increased rectal temperature (over 104 °F (40 °C) requires action, over 106 °F (41,11 °C) is a dire emergency), wide eyes, vigorous panting, dark red or blue gums, tacky or dry mucus membranes (specifically the gums), lying down and unwilling (or unable) to get up, collapse and/or loss of consciousness, thick saliva, vomiting, diarrhea, internal bleeding (manifesting as red/purple spots on the gums, skin, urine, or feces), dizziness or disorientation and even coma.

What to do immediately if you suspect Heat Stroke

1. First, move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.
2. Begin cooling your dog by placing cool, wet rags or washcloths on the body - especially the foot pads and around the head. Don’t cover the dog completely. An ideal solution can be the use of a bodycooler (www.petcooler.eu).
3. DO NOT use ice or very cold water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body's core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. In addition, over-cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems. When the body temperature reaches 103 °F (39,44 °C), stop cooling.
4. Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog's mouth.
5. Call or visit your vet right away - even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary (and further testing may be recommended). While at the vet, applying alcohol to the ears, foot pads and groin are common tricks to safely lowering the temperature, as well as administering cool IV fluids. The dog may be given oxygen, dextrose, cortisone, antihistamines, anticoagulants or antibiotics.
6. Keep the dog moving.

Prevention is the best medicine

• NEVER leave your dog alone in the car on a warm day.
• Avoid vigorous exercise on warm days. When outside, opt for shady areas.
• Keep fresh cool water available at all times.

Viyo Elite is a high palatable liquid formulation that can be mixed in the drinking water to stimulate dogs drinking during warm weather conditions. It also delivers all necessary nutrients such as electrolytes.

Dr Wim Van Kerkhoven
Email :
More info : www.viyo-elite.com