Seattle Dogs are Vulnerable to Heat Stress
Seattle’s temperate weather provides the perfect environment for our pets to have a very comfortable summer. However, when things start to heat up, pets have the potential for developing life-threatening heat stress – otherwise known ashyperthermia.
Cats and dogs lack the ability to effectively sweat and thus their only method of regulating body temperature is through breathing off the heat through panting or finding an environment that helps them maintain a proper body temperature (water, shade, etc.).
Signs of Heat Stress in Your Pet
Normal body temperature for cats and dogs can vacillate between 99-102.5 degrees. When temperatures exceed this norm, pets will begin to pant, act lethargic or become restless.
As temperatures continue to elevate things can progress to the pet becoming unsteady on its feet, abnormal gum color (purple to bright red), abnormal stools and if untreated - multi-organ failure and cardiac arrest.
Dogs are More Vulnerable to Heat Stress
Dogs are markedly more prone to heat stress due to the fact that they have more exposure to the outside and are also more likely to be riding with their owners in automobiles. Automobiles are a significant source of heat stress and can be a concern on a relatively cool day (70°F).
A study from Stanford University Medical Center found the temperature within a vehicle could increase by an average of 40 degrees Fahrenheit within one hour regardless of the outside temperature.
Predisposing Factors to Heat Stress in Pets
- Exposure to hot/humid conditions without adequate shade
- Exercising in hot/humid weather
- Obesity and/or diseases affecting a pet’s airway
- Brach cephalic (short-nosed) breeds such as Pekingese, Pugs, Lhasa apsos, Boston terriers and Bulldogs have an anatomic predisposition based on a narrowed airway
- Age and hair coat
What to Do if Your Dog has Heat Stress
If you have a remote concern that your pet is experiencing heat stress, you need to take immediate action.
- First, remove your pet from the source of heat where the hyperthermia occurred to a shaded and cool environment
- If possible, obtain a rectal temperature and record it.
- Begin cooling your dog with cool water. You can place wet cold washcloths on the footpads, around the head, in the armpits and the groin region. Remember to also replace them frequently as they warm up.
- Avoid covering the whole body with wet towels, as it may trap in heat. Directing a fan on these wetted areas will also help to speed evaporative cooling.
- Most pets with hyperthermia have body temperatures exceeding 105°F, and a reasonable goal for cooling is to reduce your pet’s body temperature to 102.5-103°F while transporting her to the closest veterinary facility.
- DO NOT put your pet on ice or in ice water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. Over-cooling can also cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems.
- Offer your pet small amounts of cool water, but do not force water into their mouth or allow them to drink excessive amounts in one sitting.
Call or visit your veterinarian right away - even if your dog appears to be improving. Internal damage might not be obvious to the untrained eye, so an exam is recommended (further testing may be necessary). For advanced heat exhaustion, the sooner your pet receives medical attention the better its prognosis.
Most pets with hyperthermia have body temperatures exceeding 105°F, and a reasonable goal of cooling is to reduce your pet’s body temperature to 102.5-103°F while transporting her to the closest veterinary facility.
In summary, heat exhaustion is a significant concern and can happen under what we would consider fairly mild temperature conditions. If you suspect your pet has had a concerning amount of exposure act quickly and call your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Jeb Mortimer, DVM
Seattle Veterinary Associates
Seattle Veterinary Associates
Dr. Mortimer earned his degree from Iowa State University. He received a B.A. in Biology from Baylor University, and completed an internship in Small Animal Emergency Medicine and Surgery in Rochester, New York. His interests include internal medicine and surgery, including minimally invasive surgery (endoscopy and laparoscopy).
“Above all, I have a strong interest in people and animals. The relationship between my patients and their owners is the reason I am in this profession.”
When away from the practice, he spends most of his time having fun with his family (his wife Kristie, three children, three cats and one “Labrador non-retriever”. Personal interests include fly-fishing, hiking, gardening and travel.
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