Heat Stroke Can Be Fatal
When the temperature starts rising, it is extremely important to monitor your animals to keep them from over-heating. Dogs, in particular, are more inclined to heat stroke due to confinement, either in hot cars, crates or dog houses, or being tied or left outside without access to water, shade or appropriate shelter.
A dog's body temperature is normally between 101 and 102 degrees farenheit, and they regulate their body temperature by panting - expelling heat out, causing an ecaporatory reaction. If a dog can not expel heat fast enough it's body temperature will start to rise, and a rise of 3 degrees is all it takes to put your dog in a life threatening situation. At 105 degrees a dog can no longer cope with reducing it's temperature and it will subsequently continue to rise.
At 108 degrees, the brain, intestinal tract and vital organs begin to break down at a cellular level. Even with immediate treatment a dog can die, or it can be left with permanent damage.
DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS
A closed car is like an oven and, even with the windows left "cracked", the temperature inside can rise at an alarming rate. Leaving your dog in a closed car, on a warm or hot day, is a sure way to bring on heat stroke.
Try sitting in a care yourself, with the windows cracked, and feel the effect.
Early Signs of Heat Stroke
If your dog is exhibiting signs of heat stroke you must get it to a vet immediately. You may be fighting for your dog's life. The symptoms can be followed in minutes by collapse, seizure, coma and death.
Emergency First Aid
Remove the dog to the shade or a cool place and soak it with cool water. Do Not use cold or iced water as this will cause constriction of blood vessels and prevent cooling.
Transport the dog to the nearest animal hospital. In doing so, do not cover your dog and do not put it in a crate. Allow as much cool air circulation as possible around the dog to aid in the cooling process.
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