HEAT STRESS

Heat Stress, Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

When the warmer weather and Queensland humidity hits, we see a dramatic increase in the number of heat stress and other heat-related illnesses in our pets. Heat stress can occur with little or no warning. Once the signs of heat stress are detected, there is precious little time before it develops into heat stroke and serious damage can occur. If not treated immediately it can be life threatening. Be sure you know the signs of heat stress, as it could save your pet’s life.

What is heat stress?

Dogs don’t sweat from their bodies like humans. They release heat by panting and also by sweating through their paw pads and nose. If they are unable to cool themselves enough through this process their internal body temperature begins to rise. Hyperthermia (high temperature) is the term used to describe this overheating of the body.

There are three different types of hyperthermia – heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. While it is common for people to use these terms interchangeably, the conditions are different and vary in severity.

Heat stress is the least severe heat-related illness. At this stage, dogs will show an increase in thirst and panting. As the condition worsens, it will progress to heat exhaustion and then, finally, to heat stroke.

All heat-related illnesses require immediate attention. Heat stroke, the most severe of heat-related illnesses, is a very serious condition that can lead to death even with intervention.

Signs of heat stress in dogs include:

• Increased thirst

• Increased panting

If your dog is unable to regulate their body temperature, their heat stress may progress to heat exhaustion. Signs of heat exhaustion include:

• Heavy panting

• Weakness and episodes of collapsing

If treatment isn’t given during heat exhaustion, it is extremely likely it will progress to heat stroke, the most severe case of heat illnesses. Signs of heat stroke include:

• Change in gum colour (bright red or pale)

• Drooling

• Dizziness or disorientation

• Dullness and collapse

• Increased heart rate, respiratory rate and effort

• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea with or without blood

• Muscle tremors

• Seizures

What to do if your dog has heat stress

If you believe your dog may be experiencing heat stress, follow these steps:

• Move your dog to a shaded spot, or even to an air-conditioned room

• Offer fresh, cool water

• Stop all physical activities until they have recovered.

Should your dog’s signs worsen, or you think your dog is suffering from heat stroke, you must take immediate action. Steps to take include:

• Begin cooling your dog by wetting down their body with a hose or bucket, but avoid the face

• A fan blowing over their damp skin will assist in cooling them down

• See a vet immediately

• It is not advisable to place wet towels over the body as this will trap the heat that is trying to escape

Tip: recruit others to help you – ask someone to call the vet while others help you cool your dog down.

How to prevent heat stress in dogs

There are ways you can prevent heat stress from happening, such as:

• Don’t leave your dog alone in the car on a warm day even if the windows are open. The inside of cars are like ovens – temperatures can rise to dangerously high levels in a matter of minutes.

• Avoid exercise on warm and humid days

• When outside, opt for shady areas

• Always keep fresh cool water available

• Certain types of dogs are more sensitive to heat, especially overweight dogs and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, like Pugs and Bulldogs.

Use extreme caution when these dogs are exposed to heat even with a short walk to the shops or sitting at a café.

If you believe your pet is suffering from heat stroke, contact us immediately.