Dogs are unable to disperse body heat like humans; their conformation rather tends to preserve it rather than free it and they heat up faster than people. For this reason, we don't always know when a dog has heatstroke until the symptoms come on suddenly. This is a very serious problem and can appear suddenly, escalating until it becomes an emergency in a matter of minutes. Knowing what to do to treat a dog's heatstroke is extremely important in saving his life.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Heatstroke
Step 1. Be aware of the temperature
It is important to know the climatic situation when the dog is showing symptoms. You should take note of the air temperature, environmental conditions (for example, direct sunlight) and the activity level of the animal before and at the onset of symptoms, in order to communicate this information to the veterinarian.
If the animal has been stuck in a closed environment, such as in a car, you cannot know the exact temperature inside, but if you notice that it is much higher than the outside one (which could be 32 ° C), then the vet has enough information to properly assess and manage the situation
Step 2. Check the warning signs of heatstroke
If you can spot this condition in its early stages, you can try to prevent the development of permanent damage to the dog's internal organs. Some of the early symptoms are:
- Wheezing, wheezing or noisy
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent vomiting
- The tongue has a bright red color and the gums are pale
- The skin around the mouth or neck does not quickly return to its natural position when pinched
- Thick saliva
- Increased heart rate
Step 3. Pay attention if symptoms get worse
If the animal starts showing any of the following symptoms, it means that the heatstroke is getting worse:
- Breathing difficulty increases
- The gums become bright red and later blue or purple
- The dog shows weakness and / or exhaustion
- He is disoriented
- Collapse or go into a coma
Step 4. Take your furry friend's temperature
One of the best ways to tell if your dog's core temperature is high is to take his rectal temperature. It is normally between 37, 2 and 39 ° C. A dog is overheated when his temperature is 39.4 ° C or more; at 42.8 ° C, it is usually fatal.
- Get a digital rectal thermometer (preferably one specifically for pets);
- Grease it with a lubricant such as petroleum jelly or a water-based one.
- Find a helper who holds the dog still by grabbing his head and front of his body;
- Locate the anal opening and lift the tail to access it;
- Gently insert the thermometer into the rectum about 2.5 cm; Not let go.
- Wait for the beep of the thermometer; when it rings, carefully remove the thermometer and read the temperature.
- Write down the temperature so you can tell your vet.
Part 2 of 3: Treating Heatstroke
Step 1. Remove the pet from the heat source
If you can, take your four-legged friend indoors where an air conditioner is running. If this is not possible, take it to a shaded area outdoors, preferably where there is some wind. At this point you must prevent the dog from exercising and moving too much; do not allow him to run until he has overcome heatstroke and is out of harm's way.
If you can, transport the dog to a cool place instead of walking it
Step 2. Allow him to drink fresh water
At first give him only a little water; however, avoid giving him sports drinks designed for humans. If you find that your pet does not particularly like water, whether it is cold or at room temperature (or flavored), you can consider giving it some beef or chicken broth as a valid substitute.
Do not force him to drink the water at all costs if you realize he is unable to do it freely on his own. Instead, wet his face, gums and tongue by squeezing a clean cloth
Step 3. Cool the dog with water
If you can, wet it with a stream of cold water; if you refresh it with water from a garden hose, make sure the pressure is quite low. Do not completely submerge your faithful friend in water, otherwise the temperature may drop too quickly resulting in further complications.
- Make sure the water isn't too cold. If it is freezing or icy, it can actually slow down your dog's cooling process.
- Prioritize wetting its ends such as legs, head and tail. Also put wet cloths with cold water between his hind legs and armpits.
Step 4. Contact an emergency veterinarian
Even if your furry friend is responding well to treatments to lower his temperature, it is extremely important to see an emergency vet, as the internal organs may have suffered damage as a likely side effect of heatstroke. If undiagnosed complications occur, the results could be fatal for the animal.
Step 5. Apply alcohol to the pads of his paws
Dogs release body heat through this area, so bathing it with alcohol can help your pet disperse some of the heat. Make sure the legs are uncovered and exposed to fresh air.
Do not use too much alcohol, as it is harmful if ingested
Step 6. Do not cover the dog or confine him in an environment
You can refresh it with cool, damp towels, but don't leave it wrapped in clothes, as they may paradoxically retain even more heat. For the same reason, do not place it in a closed cage, as this will retain the heat lost by the animal around its body.
Place the dog on a cool floor and have a fan cool him
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Heatstroke
Step 1. Know the situations or factors that can cause or aggravate heatstroke
Older, obese dogs that have a previous history of heart disease or seizures are more prone to heat stroke and may have a lower tolerance when the ambient temperature rises.
- Dogs with shorter snouts (such as pugs or bulldogs) have a harder time expelling heat, so they are more at risk of suffering from this problem.
- Some breeds can't handle heat in the same way as others. Breeds that should avoid living in extremely hot climates include bulldogs (English and French), boxers, saint bernards, pug and shih-tzu.
Step 2. Don't leave your dog in the car in the summer
You should never leave it in a vehicle in the sun, even if the temperature is mild. Even if the windows are a little open, the internal temperature can increase exponentially in a matter of minutes, often with deleterious consequences for these unfortunate dogs.
Step 3. Get your pet groomed appropriate for the season
For dogs with particularly long and thick fur, it may be a good idea to shave or trim their fur in the hottest time of summer. A professional groomer probably knows which type of cut is best suited to your four-legged friend based on the weather conditions of the moment.
Step 4. Leave the dog indoors on particularly hot days
If the weather is really hot, allow the pet to stay inside the house and turn on the air conditioner during the hottest times of the day. If this is not possible, at least try to ensure a safe and shaded area outdoors.
Step 5. Provide shade and water for your furry friend
If he's out on a very hot day, make sure he has access to water and a shady area. Some people also put ice on the ground and have the animal lie down on it if the weather is particularly hot.
Step 6. Allow your dog to swim safely in warm weather
If your pet has access to a river, stream, or pond, they will likely enjoy swimming to cool off when the day is really hot. Provide a source of water for him to swim in or, alternatively, water him (gently) with water to try to prevent heatstroke.
- Be sure to check him out while swimming and don't let him get close to deep water (especially in pools, as it can be difficult for dogs to get out comfortably) if he's not a good swimmer.
- If you don't have access to a public beach or pool where you can bring a pet, buy a kiddie pool just for the dog. They are very cheap and you can find them in almost any shopping center. Kiddie pools are also a great alternative for dogs who aren't great swimmers, unreliable off the leash, or who aren't comfortable around other dogs or strangers.
- Never allow your dog to drink or swim in water contaminated with algae, as these can be toxic to him.
Step 7. Allow him to rest when doing activities in the heat
If you have a dog that works outdoors, such as a shepherd, you should give it time to rest during hot days. When he is resting, make sure he can stay in the shade and that he doesn't lack fresh water. If there is the possibility, allow him to swim or bathe him yourself during the break.
Advice
- If you want to know how to avoid heatstroke, read this article.
- If you want your faithful friend to remain calm, it is important that you stay calm yourself. If you panic, the animal senses it and as a result can fidget in turn, aggravating the situation. Instead, try to stay as calm as possible, act methodically to bring his body temperature back to normal, and plan quickly to transport him to the vet. Stay focused so you can reassure yourself that you are doing everything possible to increase your dog's chances of survival.
- It is not a good idea to shave your dog's undercoat as a method of keeping his body temperature in check. Know that the undercoat performs an important thermoregulatory function that allows the dog to cool off in hot weather and warm up in cold weather.
