Summer is in full swing
and heat waves are starting to take their toll on humans and animals alike.
During periods of extreme heat, taking your dog jogging or running errands can
result in heat stroke, turning a normal outing into a crisis situation. Unlike
humans, dogs do not possess sweat glands and their fur naturally traps heat.
Panting is their main method of cooling down, but excessive panting, a natural
reaction to overheating, can lead to further fluid loss and dehydration.
To avoid heat stroke,
limit playtime outside, stay in shaded areas, and always keep a supply of fresh
water nearby. Never leave your dog inside your car during extreme heat. Even
with car windows cracked, temperatures inside a car can rise 20 degrees in just
10 minutes given an outside temperature of 90 degrees.
While all breeds are at
risk for heat stroke, dogs with especially thick fur, hyperthyroidism, heart or
lung disease, breathing difficulties, or those who are overweight are even more
susceptible. In addition, “companion dogs are much less likely to stop running
or protest when they become overheated, especially if their owner is running or
biking with them,” said Dr. Edward Cooper, head of Emergency and Critical Care
at the VMC. “During extreme heat owners need to pay special attention and look
for any signs that their dog may be suffering from overheating or exhibiting
signs of heat stroke.”
Symptoms of heat stroke
include:
- Excessive
panting - Bright
red tongue, gums, or skin - Marked
warmth of the skin - Thick,
sticky saliva - Excessive
drooling or foaming at the mouth - Weakness,
vomiting, and/or diarrhea
Left untreated, heat
stroke can cause serious damage to organs and may lead to seizures, shock,
collapse, coma, and death. If you notice symptoms relating to heatstroke, seek
veterinary care immediately. Do not immerse your dog in ice or cold water,
which can lead to shock. Instead, cool off your animal with room temperature or
cool water and place him or her in front of a fan while you prepare for a trip
to your veterinarian.
For more information on when to take your pet to
the emergency room, read Dr. Cooper’s list of serious symptoms in the Update
newsletter.
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About the College of Veterinary Medicine at Ohio State
Founded in 1885, The Ohio State University
College of Veterinary Medicine is ranked fifth in the nation and includes more
than 1,000 faculty, staff and students in the Departments of Veterinary
Biosciences, Veterinary Clinical Sciences, and Veterinary Preventive Medicine.
The Veterinary Medical Center is one of the largest specialty referral centers
in the world, with more than 35,000 farm, equine, and companion animal patients
each year. A nationally-recognized ambulatory practice and teaching unit in Marysville,
Ohio provides farm animal experience to every veterinary student, and the Food
Animal Health Research Program in Wooster, OH focuses on detection, control,
and prevention of disease. Located on the only campus in the country with a
comprehensive medical center offering seven health sciences colleges, we admit
up to 162 veterinary students per class, and offer a new comprehensive graduate
program in Veterinary and Comparative Medicine as well as a unique Master’s
degree in Veterinary Public Health, in partnership with the College of Public
Health. http://vet.osu.edu.
