Hyperthermia

Know the signs and protect your furry friend. By Dr. Dawn Mehra, North Idaho Animal Hospital, Sandpoint, Idaho.

Summer is finally here, and each year during July and August at North Idaho Animal Hospital, we treat patients suffering from heat exhaustion.

Everyone understands the stress of direct sunlight on a furry dog or cat; and most folks are very careful not to over-exercise their pet (and themselves) in the middle of a summer day. However, we cannot emphasize enough the threat of a closed space- even with ventilation- on a warm day.

Hyperthermia is life threatening and requires immediate treatment. A dog’s normal temperature ranges between 100 -102; we consider anything higher than 104.5 a true emergency. In a recent study from Stanford University Medical Center, researchers found that even on a relatively cool (70°F) day, the temperature inside a vehicle may increase by an average of 40 degrees Fahrenheit within one hour regardless of outside temperature! Bottom line: We can’t be too careful with our animal (and human!) companions.

There are other conditions that can affect your pet’s sensitivity to heat. Bulldogs, and other short-faced canines, have very different breathing anatomy- their tracheas (windpipes) and airways are often reduced in diameter and become stressed easily by the heat. Panting alone can cause elevated body temperature! Obesity and other diseases can predispose a pet to hyperthermia.

Hyperthermia Signs

Signs of hyperthermia can include panting, restlessness, salivation, and staggering. As hyperthermia progresses, the gums may look purple or blue tinged. Pets become very distressed. Severe hyperthermia affects nearly every cell in the body. Organs that become too hot (over 105 degrees) can actually become jello-like and literally melt. Blood in the urine may also be a life threatening sign.

What to Do

A hyperthermic dog (or cat) should be placed in a cool area. Your pet’s temperature can be lowered by placing cool moist towels around their groin, armpits, paws, ear flaps, and abdomen. Airflow, by using an electric fan, can also aid the lowering of the temperature. This will help immediately and can drop the temperature 1 degree or more. Then get your pet to your doctor! As stated above, the inner organs are very susceptible to hyperthermic damage.

What Not to Do

Cooling pets too fast can actually shrink the peripheral (outside) blood vessels and so prevent the core blood from cooling. This means avoid super-cold water or ice. Try to reduce your pet’s stress level as much as possible -as you screech into your veterinary hospital’s parking lot.

Obviously, the best possible solution to this issue is to avoid the situation all together. Thinking ahead and prevention is always the best cure.

Dr. Dawn Mehra, North Idaho Animal Hospital, www.idahovet.com.

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