As the weather continues to get warmer, one of the best parts about living in Minnesota is getting to enjoy the outdoors. Many of our clients love to bring their dogs and cats with them on these outdoor adventures. This can be great exercise and enrichment for your pet, and we encourage spending this time together! However, there are some precautions that we should take to keep our pets safe.
During these early summer months, heatstroke is unfortunately common in our patients. Heatstroke is defined as a marked elevation in body temperature, which results in significant inflammation and damage to many internal organs. For dogs and cats, we recognize heatstroke when the body temperature is greater than 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Heatstroke occurs when the body’s normal cooling mechanisms cannot keep up with the amount of heat produced. For dogs and cats, these mechanisms include panting, seeking cooler areas, and utilizing airflow or breezes for passive cooling.
Heatstroke most commonly happens in dogs who are left in unventilated areas on warm weather days, such as being left in the car. We never recommend leaving your dog in the car for prolonged periods, even when it is only mildly warm outside. Even at an air temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, some studies show car internal temperatures increasing to 100 degrees within 20 minutes. Heatstroke can also happen when pets are left outside in the sun for prolonged periods, without access to water or shade. Finally, we can see heatstroke after pets exercise for prolonged periods, especially in hot or humid weather. Pets are at highest risk for heatstroke early in the warm weather season because their body has not acclimated to the warmer ambient temperatures. It can take up to two months for this adaptation to happen, so take outdoor activity slowly during those first few warm months.
Some pets are at increased risk for heat stroke because their body cannot cool itself as efficiently. For example, our brachycephalic dogs, such as French Bulldogs and Pugs, cannot breathe as easily and pant as effectively, meaning they cannot cool down quickly. Additionally, any overweight patients or those with thicker haircoats are at increased risk. Some disease processes, such as seizures, toxicities, airway disease, or heart disease, can also contribute to heatstroke development. If your pet has any of these predisposing factors, it is important to be extra vigilant when they are exposed to heat or performing vigorous exercise.
Signs of heatstroke in pets can be variable, but are commonly seen soon after heat exposure or high activity. Classically, pets will show excessive panting and drooling. Their gums are often bright red in color, or may progress to blue or purple over time. They may seem confused, frantic, stagger, or collapse. Some pets will progress to tremoring or lose consciousness. Pets may also develop vomiting or diarrhea. If your pet is showing any of these signs, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately. Heatstroke is a true emergency, and immediate care is needed for your pet.
If you are concerned your pet may have heatstroke, starting care immediately is important to their recovery. Even on the way to the veterinarian, you can start trying to cool your pet. Remove them from the hot environment, seeking air conditioning or a shaded spot. Spritzing them with lukewarm to cool water and placing them in front of a fan, AC, or open car windows while driving can help lower their temperature. Do not crate your pet if possible safely, and allow them to pant freely. You can offer them water, but do not try to force them to drink. Your veterinary clinic can further instruct you on how to manage your pet until they arrive at the clinic.
Heatstroke is a serious emergency, and is best managed through a specialty emergency facility. Please review our website for the contact information of the closest emergency clinics in the area. Heatstroke commonly results in damage to multiple organs, including the gastrointestinal system, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. Most pets with heatstroke will require intensive care and multiple days of hospitalization to stabilize them. Even with appropriate care, some pets may not survive heatstroke.
To prevent heatstroke in your pet, there are a few simple steps you can take. First, do not confine your pet to vehicles or enclosed spaces such as garages or sheds, especially on hot and humid days. On hot days, it is best to avoid strenuous outdoor activity or keep your pets inside. When outside, make sure your pet has access to shade and water. Maintaining a healthy body weight is helpful in preventing heat emergencies. Finally, if you have a pet with health conditions that may put them at higher risk for heatstroke, such as brachycephalic anatomy, airway disease, heart disease, or a seizure disorder, be especially careful with their hot weather exposure and activity levels. As always, if you have any concerns about your pet, please reach out to us! We are always happy to answer your questions and here to help!