First Aid for Heat Stroke: Just Add Water

     Many parts of the country have reported blistering heat waves this year, so it’s an opportune time to review heat-related safety for pets.  A record-breaking summer is miserable enough for humans, but our pets suffer more intensely, largely because they can not sweat.  Only a small proportion of their bodies is used for evaporative cooling: the respiratory tract and the soles of their feet.  Pets are also completely dependent on their sometimes forgetful owners for provision of drinking water and a space with adequate ventilation.  None of us is infallible.  During the hottest days of summer, even a seemingly minor oversight could trigger a fatal accident.

     Here’s a rough idea what heat stroke looks like so that you can handle this emergency competently.  Dogs and cats will try to dispel excess heat by panting rapidly, but once they start to become more ill with heat stroke, the panting may actually stop.  You may see them weave or stumble, or appear confused.  Abnormally dark red gums or a sickly grayish color inside the mouth can both be a feature of heat stroke.  Sometimes small speckle bruises will appear spontaneously here.  Pets may slobber excessively, vomit, or produce bloody diarrhea.  Convulsions and loss of consciousness may occur.  In short, if you discover your pet in a situation that suggests overheating and she is not acting well, assume the worst and seek veterinary assistance immediately.  Wetting her fur before the trip to the hospital might save her life.  If you reach for the garden hose, please be sure to run out all the hot water first.  The initial output from a sun-baked garden hose is actually capable of producing third-degree burns.  Room temperature water is just right for dousing your heat-prostrated pet; note that pouring ice water on her may actually make things worse.  Don’t use a wet blanket or towel, just room temperature water.  Forcing your pet to drink is not useful; instead, apply your efforts to circulating air over her wet skin with an electric fan or even just a big piece of cardboard.  Heat stroke is an emergency, but be sure to drive safely.   

     Heat stroke is more common in pets with thick or black fur, those who overextend themselves with physical activity, those who haven’t had access to shade or sufficient drinking water, and those who are unaccustomed to outdoor temperatures.  Overweight pets are at higher risk.  Pets that breathe noisily are at higher risk, because this suggests an inefficient upper respiratory tract.  Pets enclosed in cars will become terribly ill, and much more quickly than you would think, even with the windows partially open.   

     Even after the patient’s body is cooled to its normal temperature, the damage from heat stroke can be permanent.  Kidney failure and blood clotting deficiencies are frequent after-effects, and the full extent of these problems can not be determined for several days.  Your veterinarian will use blood testing to detect and, if possible, prevent these complications.

Dr M.S. Regan