Body Temperature Regulation
Warm blooded animals, such as dogs and cats, maintain a normal body temperature through production and loss of heat. Heat is produced in multiple ways including exercise, shivering, and eating. To balance the energy produced, the animal will release heat by panting and lying on a cool surface. The body will also release heat through dilation of the blood vessels. Blood vessels will expand in the ears and face to allow heat from the animal’s blood to be brought to the surface and released from the body.
How is heat stroke possible?
When the animal becomes overheated due to excessive exercise or extreme external temperatures, they will attempt to regulate themselves. Sometimes, they are unable to regulate their temperature-which leads to heat stroke, or hyperthermia. Unlike humans, dogs and cats don’t have the ability to sweat and may not have shady areas to cool off outside. While panting does help to regulate their body temperature, this may not be adequate. For dogs in particular, there are additional factors that might make them more susceptible to heat stroke. These factors include conditions such as:
- Brachycephalic
- Overweight
- Preexisting lung or heart problems (i.e bronchitis, congestive heart failure, etc)
- Heavy/thick coats
What to Look For If Your Pet is Having Heat stroke:
- Early Signs
- Heavy panting and rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
- Excessive drooling
- Dry mucous membranes
- Bright red gums and tongue,
- bruising of the tongue
- Skin that’s hot to the touch
- Signs of Prolonged Exposure
- Elevated/Rapid heart rate
- Dry or sticky gums
- May appear lethargic or disoriented
- Persistent fever can lead to brain damage
- Signs of shock
- Pale mucous membranes with white or blue gums
- Decreased blood pressure
- Dilated Pupils
- Irregular pulse
- Muscle tremors
- Uncontrolled urination and/or defecation.
What Can You Do?
If you find your pet having a heat stroke, there are various measures which can be taken depending on the severity of your pet’s condition. Should your pet’s condition be mild, offering them water, bringing them inside where it’s cool, and rinsing their paws are easy ways to help them cool off. Doing alcohol sponge baths on the paws and tip of the ears may also help-however-please consult your veterinarian before attempting this as too many alcohol baths can lead to hypothermia. Dehydration, in addition to being overheated from outside temperatures, can increase the fever further. This may require hospital intervention, where fluids can be administered and a more extensive assessment can be performed.
What to Provide Your Pet and Be Mindful Of
- Ensure your pet has plenty of water
- Shady areas or access in inside
- Outside fan
- This should be provided if your pets area is turf or concrete as these surfaces becoming increasingly warmer throughout the day, making it more difficult for your pet
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