by Diane Garrod

Created on: May 13, 2009   Last Updated: June 28, 2009

If inner body temperatures start to climb in animals, the body will become unable to release the added heat and a series of physical changes will occur leading to heat stroke. In a car, for instance, a heat hazard can occur in ten minutes or less. Even parked in the shade with the windows cracked, temperatures can skyrocket to 120 degrees Fahrenheit within minutes.

To keep your pet safe in hot weather keep an air conditioner on in the car or air flowing through the windows when driving. Keep your dog with you, if you are traveling, and make sure where they step is cool or warm to the touch.

Heat stroke leads to dehydration and thickening of the blood because chemicals are released causing a break down in the body cells. This takes its toll on the heart and body tissues, such as the liver, the brain and intestines, which are usually the first organs to be affected. Cooling down body temperature quickly is mandatory.

Keeping pets safe in hot weather requires an understanding of three stages for potential heat stroke.

The early stage includes physical and behavioral changes to include:

- excessive panting or panting which suddenly stops then starts again
- excessive drooling
- foaming at the mouth
- dry gums
- deep breathing
- agitation
- whining
- barking
- anxiety

Heat Exhaustion or Advanced Stage includes:

- vomiting
- diarrhea
- weakness
- confusion
- trouble walking
- lack of coordination
- pale or grey gums
- trembling

Your dog's body is showing massive discomfort at this point. Now you need to wet a wash cloth or soak sponges in cold water and apply to groin, stomach, head, neck and under thigh. Drizzle water in your dog's mouth and wet the tongue. Ice works really well applied to the inside of the outer ear and in the mouth. If you have a thermometer take his temperature. Normal temperature should be between 100 F and 102 F. Danger zone is 105 F. It is far better to not let your dog overheat in the first place.

Final stage is Heat Stroke, a breakdown in the body's thermo-regulatory system. It requires immediate emergency medical attention.

- collapse
- seizures
- coma
- death

What will the veterinarian do?

Most likely your dog will get a cool water enema, IV fluids and the veterinarian will take blood samples. It is critical when the dog's temperature is elevated that they are monitored for shock. Issues that can occur are kidney failure, heart abnormalities, respiratory stress and more. Your dog may need oxygen or other treatments to

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