Beware of heatstroke in the summer! All the symptoms and advice to follow to protect dogs and cats

In summer, with high temperatures, pets are subject to heat stroke, let's see together what it is and how to avoid it

Have you ever heard of heat stroke in animals? Summer, with high temperatures and sultry environments, represents a time of year during which even pets are subject to a wide range of diseases and dangerous situations, often potentially lethal. Among these is the heat stroke.





To help owners of dogs and cats, the Order of Veterinary Doctors of the Province of Milan has issued a information campaign with methods of prevention, precautions and remedies. But let's go in order.

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Index

What is heatstroke?

The increase in body temperature caused by environmental conditions is defined hyperthermia or heat stroke. Dogs and cats do not sweat and defend themselves from excessive ambient heat by looking for a cool place or, if they are unable to do so, by panting to promote heat exchange through evaporation. If even this method is not sufficient, the body temperature starts to rise and theinability to sweat puts animals in a very dangerous condition: the normal body temperature of dogs and cats is 38,5-39 ° C; every time it exceeds 40,5 ° C we are faced with a real emergency.

Heatstroke: what are the predisposing situations and factors?

  • excessive heat and humidity, absence of shade;
  • lack of access to fresh water;
  • muzzles that prevent panting and sticking out the tongue;
  • strenuous exercise with high ambient temperatures;
  • closing of the animal in the car during the day, even in relatively cool temperatures or with the windows slightly lowered;
  • obesity;
  • old age;
  • diseases of the heart or airways (particularly predisposed are the so-called brachycephalic breeds, with short and flattened snouts, such as the Pekingese, the Pug and the Bozer: due to the conformation of the muzzle these dogs are unable to pant efficiently to dissipate body heat).

What are the symptoms of heat stroke?

Initially the animal appears uncomfortable, panting excessively and restless. When hyperthermia worsens the animal loses large amounts of drool from the nose and / or mouth. The animal may stagger or be unable to stand. The gums may become bluish or bright red in color due to insufficient oxygenation. Loss of consciousness, coma and death can quickly arise.



Read also: How to protect our dogs from the summer heat

What to do in case of heatstroke?

1) Immediately move the animal from the place where the hyperthermia occurred and take it to a cool, shaded and ventilated place;

2) If possible, examine note rectal temperature;

3) cool the body by placing wet rags or towels with water over the neck, under the armpits and in the groin region;

4) wet the ears and paws with fresh water;

5) direct a fan or air over these wet areas to aid cooling;

6) immediately take the animal to the nearest veterinarian.

7) do not use frozen water or ice for cooling;

8) do not overcool the animal (animals that have suffered heat stroke have a body temperature above 40,5 ° C (sometimes even above 42 ° C) and a reasonable goal is to lower the body temperature to 39 -39,5 ° C, while transporting it to the nearest veterinarian; the excessive lowering of the temperature can cause further damage);

9) do not try to force the animal to drink by putting water in its mouth

10) it is sufficient to have fresh (not cold) water available to offer if the animal is alert and is interested in drinking.

Beware of heatstroke in the summer! All the symptoms and advice to follow to protect dogs and cats

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How is heatstroke treated?

When the veterinarian receives an animal that has undergone a heat stroke, immediately checks your body temperature and lowers it within the safe range, if not already done, by constantly monitoring it. Insert a intravenous catheter with which to administer liquids directly into the bloodstream to counteract dehydration and support the function of the heart and kidneys.



Keeps the animal monitored for shock, difficulty breathing, kidney failure, cardiac abnormalities, hypoglycemia and other complications. Blood tests, taken before and during treatment, allow you to evaluate any damage to internal organs. Blood clotting time is also monitored, as clotting problems are a common complication of heatstroke.

Animals with moderate damage can fully recover, but in the most serious cases complications and death can arise even after days. In some cases, there is still damage that requires constant lifelong care, such as a special diet for the liver or intestines. Overall, the mortality in dogs that have suffered heat stroke is 25-50%.

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Source: Milan Order of Veterinary Doctors

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