Vet Note (please delete): The body temperature can be deceiving. Is likely to be elevated to 40-41.5 degrees but if the owner has started the cooling process, then the temperature can be normal or even low!  

As we discussed, I am worried that your pet may be suffering from a degree of heat stroke and it is therefore important that you take action immediately to prevent the condition getting worse and reduce the risk of death. 

If you suspect your pet has signs of heat stroke then you should start the following first aid procedures immediately and consult your vet or your emergency out of hours service provider. Do not wait to see if symptoms develop further.

The advice is - “cool first, transport second”

First aid

- Water is the most effective way to cool your pet BUT this must always be done safely to avoid accidental water inhalation and drowning.

-    In young healthy dogs the recommended cooling method is to immerse the dog in water of any temperature that is cooler than the dog. If immersion is not possible then use the advice below. 

- In older dogs or dogs with underlying health problems, or if immersion is not possible, pouring water of any temperature that is cooler than the dog over them combined with air movement from a breeze, fan, or air conditioning is the safest/best option.  

- If water is not available then move the pet to a cooler place without delay (air conditioned room, air conditioned car, shaded space etc.) Provide good air circulation for example by using a fan as this helps with the cooling. 

- Put ice packs on both sides of the neck near the windpipe to cool the blood vessels in the neck. This can also be done during transport. 

- Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water or alternatively provide ice cubes for the dog to lick.

- Consider pre-cooling the interior of the car prior to traveling with the pet if a visit to the vet clinic is deemed necessary.

New studies suggest that when urgent cooling is needed the temperature of the water is less important as long as it is lower than the body temperature. 15-16 degrees is best but in reality you need to use whatever you have available and start the cooling as soon as possible. Furthermore, wet towels are not recommended as this reduces the amount of heat lost by radiation, convection and evaporation.

Clinical signs of heat stroke

- Increased temperature 40 degrees and above but can in some cases be decreased or normal. So a normal body temperature does not exclude heat related illness. 

- Noisy, fast and excessive panting with conscious effort.

- Drooling

- Vomiting

- Red, purple or pale gums or tongue

- Fast and weak pulses

- Lethargy/depression

- Weakness or collapse

- Seizures

- Bleeding tendencies

Background

Heat stroke in pets is very serious yet a very common pet presentation. It is an avoidable consequence of overexposure to heat in the absence of adequate means of cooling or reduced ability to manage their own body temperature.

Heat stroke often occurs during exercise in hot weather or if a pet is unable to move away from a hot environment with inadequate ventilation. There can be very serious consequences of heat stroke including organ failure and death and it is therefore very important that you act very quickly if your animal show any signs of heat stroke.   

All dogs, of any age, gender or breed, are at risk of developing heat stroke but unfortunately there are those who are particularly susceptible:

- Flat-faced dogs (known as brachycephalic breeds) such as Bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs, boxers, Chow Chow, Dougue de Bordeaux etc. have a decreased ability to cool down by themselves. Dogs pant to cool themselves and having a short face reduces the ability to move air well enough to cool the body as well as dogs with a long face and larger nostrils

- Other breeds such as Greyhounds, Golden and Labrador retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels have shown to be quite susceptible to heat stroke. 

- Overweight dogs: These pets are at much higher risk as normal activities such as breathing and walking require more effort. The body temperature will therefore increase more rapidly in overweight animals compared to normal fit animals.

- Thick hair coat

- Very young & old dogs: Dogs over 12 years and very young dogs have a reduced capability to adequately regulate their body temperature, are sometimes less mobile and can dehydrate more quickly. Young male dogs are often very physically active!

- Pets with pre-existing and chronic illnesses: e.g heart disease or any condition that affects breathing. More effort is needed to cool down and a critical point can be reached more quickly.

- Overexertion: Sunny days are when we all want to play outside. But for dogs, particularly those who are not used to such temperatures and those at increased risk noted above, such days can cause a risk of developing heatstroke. For a vulnerable animal, any exercise in hot weather may actually constitute over exertion.

Some pets may have several or indeed all of these additional risk factors and in this case you need to take very great care in any warm weather or warm and humid environments.

Preventative advice

- Do not exercise dogs during hot weather or warm and humid weather. Limit exercise to necessary toileting for the shortest possible time and ideally in the cooler periods in early mornings or evenings. 

- Provide many sources of cool shade and fresh water.

- Never leave a pet in a car or any enclosed area during hot weather. If you must transport your pet in a vehicle, use the aircon to cool the vehicle before you put the pet inside.

- Have pets groomed appropriately (not shaved).

- Keep your pet in good body condition, if your pet is gaining weight seek good dietary advice from you vet, it mays save their life

- Have to hand reliable pet cooling accessories during hot weather periods such as water and a fan.