Accepted Answer

Hi Dporter,

Heat stroke is more likely to occur with puppies under 6 months of age or old and elderly dogs. Overweight dogs, dos with wide heads and short noses such as bulldogs, and dogs with heart problems are more likely to suffer heat stroke, so it is important to keep this in mind during the summer months.

Symptoms leading up to heat stroke include heavy panting, deep breathing, excessive drooling, then dry gums as your dog becomes dehydrated. You will also see weakness, confusion, inattention, vomiting and diarrhea and sometimes even bleeding. The gums may also go gray or very pale as well and will progress to seizures and or coma if no treatment is started. If your dog’s temperature ever reaches 105F, then it is very dangerous and your dog needs to be seen immediately.

The best thing is to try and prevent it by allowing your dog to slowly work up to exercising on hot days, make sure there is plenty of water and the dog has access to it and if you see signs of overheating, then move the dog to an air conditioned area for recovery. Most dogs I’ve seen with heat stoke have been ones that were trapped in hot cars, or left with no water or shade in a concrete kennel situation.

If your dog is showing signs of heat stoke, you should take your dogs temperature rectally. If using a digital thermometer wait until it beeps to read it, otherwise leave it for a full minute before reading. A dog's temperature is 101-102.5F.

If your dog's temperature is over 103F, you can use a damp cool towel or ice packs on your dog's abdomen and feet to try and cool your dog down. You can also use alcohol on the pads of you dog's feet. Offer cool water (not cold).

If it is over 104F, start cool down procedures and take your dog to the nearest emergency Vet.

Here is a great site on heat stroke overheating
http://petplace.stg.petplace.com/dogs/heat-stroke/page1.aspx

So be proactive and try to prevent the situation, but also take along items that could help in the event that she does experience overheating such as damp towels and a thermometer. And of course, limiting your walks to the mornings or evenings when the temperature is cooler.

I hope this information is helpful to you.

Expert:	Jane Lefler
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	5/19/2008

Behaviorist, Breeder, See Qual.

15 years Breeding Experience, Former vol. Vet Assistant, Dog Behaviorist