Heat Stroke: Canine Nausea And Its Prevention

Heatstroke is a dangerous and sometimes deadly condition that occurs when a dog's body temperature rises above a healthy range and they are unable to regulate their body heat. Dogs are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke because they only have a few ways to cool off, such as panting and sweating through their paw pads. Heavy panting, excessively drooling, lethargy, and vomiting are all signs that a dog may be suffering from heatstroke. If left untreated, heatstroke can lead to organ failure, seizures, brain damage, and even death. It is important for dog owners to take steps to prevent heatstroke, such as providing access to shade and water, avoiding excessive exercise during hot temperatures, and never leaving a dog unattended in a car.

Heat stroke symptoms in dogs

Heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia, is a dangerous condition in dogs that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when a dog's internal body temperature goes above 103°F (39.4°C), and it can be life-threatening. The critical temperature where multiple organ failure and death can occur is around 107°F to 109°F (41.2°C to 42.7°C).

Dogs primarily regulate their body temperature by panting, as they only have a small number of sweat glands located in their footpads. Therefore, when the ambient temperature is high, dogs can struggle to cool down, and their body temperature can rise rapidly.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Dogs:

• Heavy panting and rapid breathing: Constant or faster-than-normal panting could indicate that your dog is overheated.
• Excessive drooling: Keep an eye out for excessive drool, or drool that is thicker and stickier than usual.
• Dry mucous membranes: A dry nose and mouth can be a sign of dehydration and overheating.
• Abnormal gum colour: Gums that are bright red, grey, purple, or bluish can indicate dehydration or heat stroke.
• Skin that is hot to the touch: If your dog's skin feels hot, it could be a sign that their body temperature is elevated.
• Increased heart rate: A rapid pulse can be a sign of heat stroke, and it can be taken by placing your hand on the dog's chest near the front elbow joint.
• Hyperactivity and difficulty maintaining balance: Affected dogs may become hyperactive and have trouble maintaining their balance.
• Signs of shock: As heat stroke progresses, dogs may exhibit signs of shock, including pale mucous membranes and very rapid heart rate.
• Dehydration: Signs of dehydration include a dry nose, visible tiredness, excessive panting, and sunken eyes.
• Muscle tremors: Shivering or shaking, regardless of the outside temperature, could be caused by heat stroke.
• Lethargy: Overheated dogs may appear lethargic, drowsy, or uncoordinated, and may have difficulty standing or walking.
• Vomiting or diarrhoea: Abnormally soft stool or stool with blood in it is a warning sign of heat stroke.
• Collapse: In severe cases, dogs may collapse or lose consciousness due to heat stroke.
• Seizures: In some cases, dogs suffering from heat stroke may experience seizures.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is crucial to act quickly. Move your dog to a cool, well-ventilated area and begin the process of lowering their body temperature by applying cool (not cold) water to their body, especially the head, stomach, armpits, and feet. Do not cover them with wet towels, as this can trap heat. Provide small amounts of cool water for them to drink, and seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

How to treat heat stroke in dogs

Heat stroke is a very serious condition that can affect dogs of any age, breed, or gender. It occurs when a dog's body temperature rises above a healthy range and they are unable to reduce their body temperature by panting. This can quickly escalate into an emergency, and can even result in death.

• Remove the dog from the heat: Move the dog to a cool and shaded area, preferably with decent airflow. If possible, carry the dog indoors to an air-conditioned space.
• Allow the dog to drink cool water: Offer small amounts of cool water for the dog to drink. You can also wet their lips, gums, and tongue with water if they are unable to drink on their own. Do not force water into their mouth and avoid giving them human sports drinks.
• Cool the dog's body: Use cool (not cold) water to wet the dog's body, focusing on the extremities like the paws, head, and tail. You can also place cool, wet towels between their back legs and in their armpits. Be careful not to cover or confine the dog with towels as it can trap heat.
• Apply rubbing alcohol to the dog's paws: Putting rubbing alcohol on the pads of their paws can help draw out some of the heat, as dogs release heat from their paws.
• Contact an emergency veterinarian: Even if the dog seems to be responding well to the cooling treatments, it is crucial to seek veterinary help immediately. Internal organ damage is a possible side effect of heat stroke, and undiagnosed complications can be fatal.
• Monitor breathing and body temperature: Heat stroke can cause difficulty breathing and a significant increase in body temperature. Keep a close eye on these vital signs and seek veterinary assistance if they worsen.
• Prevent heat stroke in the future: Take measures to prevent heat stroke in the future, such as providing shade and water, avoiding excessive exercise during hot weather, and never leaving your dog unattended in a car.

It is important to act quickly and seek veterinary assistance if you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke. The prognosis depends on how high the body temperature rises and how long the heat stroke persists.

How to prevent heat stroke in dogs

Heat stroke is a dangerous condition that can be fatal for dogs. It occurs when a dog's body temperature rises above a healthy range and they are unable to reduce it by panting. This is their primary method of regulating body temperature, and it is much less effective than sweating, which is the human body's primary method.

To prevent heat stroke in dogs, follow these steps:

• Avoid enclosed and poorly ventilated areas: Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a minute, even with the windows cracked. On an 80-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 100 degrees in just 10 minutes, and 130 degrees in 30 minutes. This can be fatal. Similarly, avoid conservatories and other hot, poorly ventilated rooms.
• Restrict exercise during hot weather: Walk your dog in the morning or evening to avoid the hottest hours of the day. Take shorter walks and avoid steep hills or other strenuous exercise. If your dog is older or has health conditions such as heart disease, obesity, or breathing problems, it is even more important to keep them cool.
• Provide shade and water: Ensure your dog has access to plenty of cold water and shade, both indoors and outdoors.
• Keep your house cool: Keep the AC on or set up multiple electric fans to keep certain areas cool.
• Be cautious of hot pavements: Remember, if it's too hot to hold your hand on the pavement, it's too hot for your dog to walk on.
• Groom your dog: Ensure your dog is regularly groomed if this is advised for their breed.
• Be aware of at-risk breeds: Flat-faced breeds such as pugs and French bulldogs are more prone to heat stroke, as are dogs with thick coats, and old or very young dogs.

Risk factors for heat stroke in dogs

Heatstroke in dogs, also known as hyperthermia, is a life-threatening condition that can result in serious complications and even death. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of heatstroke occurring in dogs.

Breed

Certain breeds are more prone to heatstroke than others. Longhaired dogs and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, such as pugs, boxers, and bulldogs, are at a higher risk. Brachycephalic dogs have a reduced ability to evaporate heat due to their physical characteristics, making them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Age

Very young and older dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke. This may be due to their inability to regulate their body temperature as effectively as adult dogs.

Physical Fitness

Dogs that are out of shape or have poor physical fitness are more vulnerable to heatstroke when they exert a lot of energy in hot environments. This is because they may not have the stamina to cool themselves effectively through panting.

Weight

Overweight and obese dogs are at an increased risk of heatstroke. Carrying excess weight can hinder their ability to regulate body temperature and may put extra strain on their respiratory system.

Medical Disorders

Underlying medical conditions can contribute to heatstroke in dogs. For example, hypothyroidism, cardiac disease, and laryngeal paralysis can make it more difficult for dogs to regulate their body temperature or tolerate heat.

Environment

The environment plays a crucial role in the development of heatstroke. Confinement in closed vehicles, such as cars, is the most common cause. The temperature inside a closed car can rise rapidly, becoming dangerously high within minutes. Other environmental factors include being confined in an exercise pen or crate without access to fresh water, direct sunlight exposure, and prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Water

Restricted access to water or inadequate water intake can lead to overheating. Dogs primarily regulate their body temperature by panting, which requires adequate hydration.

Acclimation

A sudden change to a warmer climate or exposure to high temperatures without gradual acclimation can put dogs at risk of heatstroke. They may not have had enough time to adapt to the new climate, making them more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

It is important for dog owners to be aware of these risk factors and take preventive measures to keep their dogs cool and hydrated, especially during hot weather.

Complications of heat stroke in dogs

Heat stroke, or hyperthermia, is a severe elevation in body temperature and is considered a medical emergency. It can lead to multiple organ failure and death in dogs. Heat stroke can occur when dogs are left in a car with inadequate ventilation, without shade or water on a hot day, exposed to a hair dryer, or exercised excessively in hot temperatures. Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs) are at a higher risk of heat stroke.

• Respiratory issues: Heavy panting and difficulty breathing are common symptoms of heat stroke in dogs. This is because dogs regulate their body temperature through panting, and high environmental humidity can make this process less effective.
• Cardiovascular issues: Heat stroke can cause an increase in cardiac output and peripheral vasodilation, leading to relative hypovolemia. As hyperthermia progresses, blood pressure and cardiac output decrease, and the dog's body can no longer compensate. This can lead to cardiac injury, including myocardial hemorrhage and necrosis.
• Neurological issues: Neurological abnormalities are often present in dogs with heat stroke, including depression, disorientation, seizures, stupor, and coma. Extreme hyperthermia can lead to cerebral hypoperfusion due to respiratory alkalosis and shock, resulting in cerebral edema, hemorrhage, and vascular thrombosis.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Heat stroke can cause gastrointestinal bacterial translocation, leading to increased intestinal permeability and the translocation of gut bacteria into the bloodstream. This can result in sepsis and multi-organ dysfunction. Additionally, dogs with heat stroke may experience vomiting and diarrhea, which can range from watery to hemorrhagic.
• Renal issues: Acute renal failure can occur due to direct thermal injury, hypoxia, and microthrombi from disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
• Hepatic issues: Liver failure can result from direct thermal injury, hypoxia, and microthrombi from DIC.
• Coagulation issues: Heat stroke can lead to DIC, which is characterised by widespread thrombosis and contributes to multi-organ dysfunction and death.
• Muscle issues: Rhabdomyolysis, or muscle breakdown, can occur during and after heat stroke due to hypoperfusion and shock.

Frequently asked questions