How Your Pet is effected by heat and Stroke

I visit, walk and exercise many dogs each day. I often wonder, if I were that close to the ground and had a heavy coat of fur... what would that feel like when the temperature is right at 100 degrees and the heat index well over that. It amazes me that animals do so well or, do they ?

I hope we all know that you should never leave a pet in a vehicle with the windows up. Even when the temperature is below 70 degrees you may be asking for trouble. Don't think that cracking the window makes a difference. It does not. Thousands of animals die each year form heat exhaustion and stroke. Here are a few steps to follow to avoid sure death and suffering.

As the temperature rises, so do Fido and Fluffy’s chances of experiencing heat-related problems. As the scorching days of summer descend upon us, Pet Sitters International (PSI) outlines what steps should be taken if a pet is suffering from heatstroke.

According to the Animal First Aid Chapter of PSI’s Certification Program, which was created in conjunction with Thom Somes, the Pet Safety Guy™, pets can easily suffer from heatstroke.

“High body temperatures and stress can cause a pet to go into heatstroke,” Ellen Price, PSI academic manager, said. “Heatstroke is most often caused when pets are left in a confined space with little or no ventilation during periods of warm temperatures and high humidity.”

The signs of heatstroke can include:

• Uncontrollable panting
• Foaming at the mouth
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Agitation
• Vomiting
• Loss of consciousness
• Tongue and gums that turn from bright red to blue to gray
• Capillary refill time of more than two seconds

What to do in case of heat stroke or heat exhaustion

If your dog's condition becomes serious (or its body temperature is around 105 degrees Fahrenheit/40 degrees Celsius, if you have a thermometer on hand), then you have to hurry to keep your dog alive. The dog will need to be moved into a cool area with good ventilation, as well as being soaked in cold water or gently sprayed with cold water from a hose if a tub of ice water isn't immediately available. Be careful however, as once the dog's temperature drops back down to a healthy 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius), leaving the dog in cold water any longer (the cooling process is very fast) risks causing hypothermia, so keep a close eye on your pet as he cools down after heat stroke.

Be especially protective of older and younger dogs, both of which suffer heatstroke more easily. Once your pet has stabilized and the situation seems to be over, you should still bring your dog to the veterinarian. Heatstroke has hidden effects, such as dehydration and brain damage, that may only show after the immediate danger of death is over. All in all, heat stroke is easy to prevent. With the proper precautions, there is no reason why your pet should die. All it takes is a little time and very little effort to ensure your dog's health.

I hope this message is a helpful reminder for you. It only takes one mistake to take a pets life.

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