Heatstroke

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YOUR CAR IS AN OVEN

Signs of heatstroke

Heatstroke does not only affect people, is could affect your pet as well. How does this happen? And how can it be prevented? Remember that heatstroke is deadly, it can kill your pet, even with emergency treatment. The best way to avoid this, is to prevent it from happening altogether.

SUN + HUMIDITY = HEATSTROKE (and other factors that kill)

The inside of a car on a hot summer day can be lethal. Days when the temperature reaches 90 degrees, especially with a high humidity, are inherently dangerous for your pet. Humidity interferes with animals' ability to rid themselves of excess body heat. When we overheat, we sweat, and when the sweat dries it takes excess heat with it. Dogs only perspire around their paws, which is not enough to cool the body. To rid themselves of excess heat, animals pant. Air moves through the nasal passages, which picks up excess heat from the body. As it is expelled through the mouth, the extra heat leaves along with it. Although this is a very efficient way to control body heat, it is severely limited in areas of high humidity or when your pet is in close quarters. 

The shape of an animal's nasal passages can contribute to an animal's tendency to overheat. Pug-nosed dogs are more prone to heatstroke because their nasal passages are smaller and it's more difficult for them to circulate sufficient air for cooling. Overweight dogs are also more prone to overheating because their extra layers of fat act as insulation, which traps heat in their bodies and restricts their breathing capabilities. Age can also be a factor in an animal's tendency to overheat- very young animals may not have a fully developed temperature regulating system, while older pet's systems may not be functioning at 100 percent, leaving them prone to heat-related damage.

Leaving a crack in the windows open doesn't help! Your car can become a deathtrap even on a mild sunny day. NEVER leave your pet inside the car- if your dog can't get out of the car with you, leave him at home.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect that your pet has heatstroke (see signs, below), you must act quickly and calmly. Have someone call a veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, lower the animals' body temperature by applying towels soaked in cool water to the hairless areas of the body. Often your pet will respond to this after only a few minutes, but then will falter again with his temperature either soaring up or falling below normal. This is why it is imperative to get your pet to the vet immediately. The vet will provide treatment, which may include further cooling techniques, intravenous fluid therapy to counter shock, or medication to prevent or reverse brain damage. Even with emergency treatment, heatstroke can be fatal. The best cure is prevention. 

Signs of heatstroke