Lulu's Day Out

Once again Lulu and I headed for the park for a little hiking. Fifi had to stay home, she is to young, to hairy, and hasn't had her second Parvo shot. She will be restricted from any hiking until she is at least 6 months old. I think Lulu needed a break from all that puppy love.

The walk started out well, until Lulu just stopped and laid down. Stupid me left her water bottle in the car. You know you love your dog when you share your water with him/her. I bought Lulu the "water rover" and it so much easier than pouring water in your hand. This was the first time I left her water bottle and this was the first time she wanted a drink. Anyway this situation made me think about heat stroke and how dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke than humans.

Dogs wear a fur coat and they do not sweat. They cool their bodies by paning or blowing out heat, which is much less effective than sweating. Always keep in mind that even if you are comfortable, you dog may not be.

Heat stroke happens when heat gain exceeds the body's ability to dissipate heat. High temperatures cause chemical reactions that break down body cells which lead to dehydration and blood thickening. This puts extreme strain on the heart and causes blood clotting and subsequent death to tissue. Liver, brain and intestinal cells are usually the first to be affected and this can occur quickly. Normal body temperature for a dog is about 101 F to 102 F. If his temperature reaches 106 F, he is in danger of brain damage, vital organ failure and death. Reducing body temp quickly is imperative. A dog who recovers can still have organ damage and lifelong health problems. Temperatures above 106 F are extremely dangerous.

Symptoms
Rapid, frantic panting
Wide eyes
Thick saliva
Bright red tongue
Vomiting
Staggering
Diarrhea
Coma

First Aid
If your pet is overheating, he will appear sluggish and unresponsive. He may appear disorientated. The gums, tongue and conjunctiva of the eyes may be bright red and he will probably be panting hard. He may even start vomiting. Eventually he will collapse, seizure and may go into a coma Heat stroke is deadly! Heat stroke is an emergency! Cool the dog, in whatever way you can and get him to a veterinarian immediately! Hose him off, immerse him in cool (not cold) water, use fans, take him to air conditioning, or sponge the groin area, tummy area, wet his tongue, place rolled up wet towels against his head, neck, tummy, and between his legs. When his temperature drops to 104 F or 103 F, stop cooling efforts. Cooling too fast or too much can cause other problems.

Treatment
If the dog's temperature is still high when he reaches the vet's office, they may give a cool water enema, cool water gastric lavage (rinse the stomach), and IV fluids, and draw blood samples. The dog will be monitored for shock, kidney failure, heart abnormalities, respiratory stress, and blood clotting time. The dog may be given oxygen, dextrose, cortisone, antihistamines, anticoagulants, or antibiotics. Once he is stabilized, he may require follow up treatment.

Prevention
As we all know, never leave your dog in the car on hot days but also never leave your dog in the car on warm days as well.

For outside dogs, provide shade, ventilation, wading pool, and cool drinking water. Keep in mind that shade moves as the earth rotates.

Make sure water containers are large enough to supply water at all times and secure so they cannot be turned over.

Make sure that tied dogs cannot wind their tether around something, preventing access to water. Caution: Chains will wrap around themselves and shorten when the dog runs in circles.

Crate only in a wire crate.

Clip heavy coated dogs to a one inch length. Leave one inch for insulation, and protection against sunburn.

Allow dogs unaccustomed to warm weather, several days to acclimate.

Do not exercise your dog on hot days.

Take precautions for at-risk dogs when the heat index reaches 75 F.

At risk dogs
Puppies up to 6 months of age
Black dogs (black color retains heat)
Dogs that have a thick coat, heart and lung problems or a short muzzle are at greater risk for heat stroke .
Overweight pets.
Pets that are overexerted during exercise.
Pets that are ill or receiving certain medications.
Pets with short, wide heads like pugs, English bulldogs, Boston terriers.
Dogs with airway obstructive diseases.
Pets with pre-existing fever.
Pets that are dehydrated.
Pets with poor circulation due to cardiovascular or other underlying disease.
Older pets (large breed dogs over 7 years of age, small breed dogs over 14 years of age)
Pets with heart disease.

And now for pictures.