Heatstroke
Signs of heatstroke include:
- panting
- excessive salivating
- increase in body temperature (see below for normals)
- bright red gums
- fast heart rate
- respiratory distress
- vomiting blood
- blood in the stool
- seizures
- muscle tremors
- ataxia (stumbling around)
- coma
- a decrease in or no urine production
- respiratory arrest
- cardiac arrest
Heat stroke is commonly caused by leaving your dog in the car (even with the windows open) on a hot day or by exercising your dog on a hot day, with restricted access to water. The normal body temperature for a dog is 37oC to 39oC. If heatstroke is suspected you can take a rectal temperature on your pet. If the temperature is 39.5oC or higher this is cause for concern, and your dog needs to be taken to a veterinary hospital immediately. A prolonged increase in body temperature can result in multiple organ failure. It may affect the brain, kidneys, liver, blood system, and gastrointestinal system.
Dogs which are more at risk of heatstroke are those which are older, obese, have a thick hair coat, and brachycephalic (short nose). Cats are susceptible to heatstroke as well, however this is rarely seen.
