HEAT STROKE

Once summer has arrived, the topic of heat stroke is one of the most important for the health and well-being of our dogs. Here you will find tips to prevent this from happening and advice on how to help him if it happens.

What is heat stroke?

Heatstroke is an increase in body temperature, not linked to a feverish state, due to an excessive external temperature or severe stress.

Some breeds, such as brachycephalic dogs, are more exposed to this risk, due to their physical conformation, but heat stroke can affect any dog, of any breed and of any age.

How is heat stroke recognized?

It is very important to recognize it as soon as possible to limit the damage and save his life. The first thing to do is to measure the temperature immediately, therefore having a thermometer suitable for dogs available. the temperature must be measured rectally and our advice is to measure it even in a calm situation, so that the dog is used to it and it is not an additional stress for him in case of emergency.

It is also important to know your dog's basal temperature which in normal conditions can vary from 37.5 to 39 degrees centigrade. During heat stroke this temperature rises to over 41 degrees. In addition to the rise in temperature, we can experience extremely labored breathing, despondency, collapse, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, sometimes convulsions.

What to do:

Calm the dog and try to bring the temperature down gradually with wet rags or towels, use the fan, bathe him with not too cold water, use life-saving drugs (ask the vet for therapy and doses) and immediately contact the nearest vet.

What not to do:

Give him water that is too cold, immerse him in water that is too cold, or drop the temperature suddenly. cold water does not stimulate blood flow and therefore slows down the recovery process.

What happens to a dog during heat stroke?

The damage caused by temperatures above 40 degrees are serious and can lead to the dog's death:

- hemorrhages

- respiratory deficits

- kidney damage

- damage to the nervous system

- cardiovascular problems

How to avoid heat stroke?

Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun when the temperature is high; never leave your dog locked in the car, not even for short stops; always leave fresh, clean water available for him; avoid taking long walks or physical exertion when it is hot and organize walks in the cooler hours of the day, early in the morning and late in the evening is ideal.