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Dog Heat Stroke

Dog heat stroke can cause brain damage and death in a short time.

Heat stroke is a very dangerous condition that can cause irreversible brain damage or even death to a dog.

On a hot summer day, if a dog is left in a parked car, even with the windows open, the temperature in the car can be as high as 160°F! The dog's body temperature can rise rapidly under this condition to over 104°F, when he will start panting heavily. If no action is being taken to cool him down, his body temperature can rise up to 107°F, when heatstroke occurs and brain damage (sometimes death) may occur rapidly as well. (A dog's normal body temperature is somewhere between 100.5°F and 101.5°F.)

All dogs can suffer from heat stroke, but the following types of dogs are at greater risks:

  • Dogs weakened by health problems or those that are on medication.
  • Older dogs.
  • Puppies.
  • Obese dogs.
  • Dogs with a thick coat.
  • Dogs with heart or lung problems.
  • Brachycephalic dogs (dogs with a "pushed-in" face) like pugs, bulldogs and Boston terriers.

Signs of Dog Heat Stroke

Dog Heat Stroke

Dogs do not sweat like we do as they do not have as many sweat glands as we do. (The only few sweat glands that they have are on the pads of their feet.)

The only mechanism for dogs to quickly reduce heat is panting. If a dog is overheated, the first sign is heavy panting.

Other signs of heatstroke include:

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Treatment of Dog Heat Stroke

Heatstroke in dogs is an emergency. Immediate veterinary care is best but time is also critical, since brain damage can occur in a matter of a few minutes.

Rapid cooling is essential. Use a garden hose, for example, to splash some water on the overheated dog. Do not, however, cool her down by using ice water or even very cold water - this may worsen the problem because the cold water may cause the surface blood vessels to constrict, reducing the heat transfer out of the body.

Also, extremely cold water can cause the dog to shiver which in turn can dramatically increase body heat - the very last thing we want to happen!

Be sure also to let her drink some water to avoid dehydration.

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Homeopathic Remedies for Dog Heat Stroke

If your dog suffers a heat stroke and veterinary care is not immediately available, try one of the following remedies as a first aid treatment.

Aconitum napellus

When you see the beginning signs of dog heat stroke (heavy panting, nausea, head congestion, restlessness, anxiety), try this remedy.

Belladonna

When a dog's heat stroke has become more serious (e.g. if you see intensely red gums, dilated pupils, increased restlessness), try Belladonna.

These remedies may help prevent the potential damage from heat stroke. However, even with these remedies, it is essential that you get your dog to a vet for a follow-up examination and, if necessary, further treatment.



Related Topics

Dog First Aid
Dog Dehydration
Dog Sunburn

References

D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).

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