The Importance of Keeping Dogs Cool in Summer

How Dogs Can Overheat In The Summer

In Southern California we are used to good weather year-round, nevertheless, we do get the occasional ‘heatwave’, as we did over the last two weeks, and it becomes very important to know how to keep our dogs cool since heatstroke can be deadly.  Around the country, dogs can become hot due to the following additional factors:

• High Temperatures and/or High Humidity
• Direct Sunlight (keep in mind shade “moves” throughout the day)
• Lack of water (consider non-tippable water bowls)
• Increase in metabolic activity (exercise)
• Medical or anatomic factors may increase susceptibility in old or debilitated pets.

Normally, thermoregulation (temperature control in the body) includes the dilation of skin vessels to allow internal heat to come to the surface, shade seeking, and evaporative cooling through sweating or panting. Heatstroke occurs when your dog heats up causing the heat to overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate his own temperature. This can happen in as little as 30 minutes. Body temperatures in dogs will increase to over 104.9F (normal is 100-103F), and this causes widespread thermal damage to all organs, and is much more involved than simply “overheating”.

Clinical signs of heatstroke in dogs can be subtle at first, but they will progress very quickly, and sometimes faster than you have a chance to seek help. For this reason, active prevention is recommended. Early signs include: panting, salivating, vomiting, increased heart rate, elevated temperature, and bright red gums. If left unchecked, signs will quickly graduate to include: pale gums, shock, bloody diarrhea/vomit, altered conscious, seizure, and dilated pupils. There is also a delayed form of heat stroke, where some animals may not have apparent signs for 3-5 days.

Prognosis of heatstroke, once confirmed, is poor; the mortality rate is 50%.  If a death happens, it is usually within 24 hours.  Even if the pet recovers, permanent damage can occur.  Dogs receiving treatment within 90 minutes of first signs have the best prognosis, so please do not hesitate in getting your best friend into the vet if you suspect heatstroke.

How To Treat An Overheated Dog

Treatment for an overheated dog includes emergency cooling with fans, stainless steel counters, towels, and oxygen support. Dogs are usually started on IV fluids for shock and blood pressure, ECG, and fluid rates are monitored. Lab work may be monitored to check for possible complications of heatstroke including clotting problems and organ dysfunction.

The take-home message is: keep your dog cool to prevent overheating and heatstroke! Keep them in the shade, offer ice water, cover them in water periodically (hose them down), and if it’s cooler indoors, please bring them inside. Don’t leave dogs in the car for even 5 minutes on hot days.