Heat stroke

In dogs and cats, heat stroke occurs when their body temperature rises and stays above 40 ˚C. . At this temperature, organs overheat, which can cause irreversible damage. Death can occur very quickly, in less than an hour, if the animal does not receive adequate care. Many complications can also be expected, such as coagulation disorders. Heat stroke is therefore considered a veterinary emergency.

The classic scenario occurs when an animal is left in a car, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Never leave your pet in a car, even with the windows down! Since cats and dogs sweat very little, whatever air is coming in through the window is of little use to them. When outside temperature is 25 °C, the temperature inside the car can reach 49 °C in less than half an hour. This would already be unbearable! So, imagine when it’s 32 °C outside, as it can easily happen in the summer, the car will heat up to 71 °C in just ten minutes.

Heat stroke can also occur after sustained or prolonged exercise in intense heat, or when an animal is confined in a small and poorly ventilated space such as a tent or a trailer, or when it is left on a paved surface in full sun. Even prolonged exposure to the sun can sometimes be fatal if the animal does not have access to shade or cold water.

Some cats and dogs are more likely to be candidates for heat stroke and should be monitored closely on hot, humid days. Among them are flat-faced breeds, such as Persians or Boston Terriers, whose respiratory anatomy is abnormally compressed, as will all animals with chronic cardiac, respiratory or other diseases, obese animals, and animals with thick, long or dense coats. Finally, animals at either end of the age spectrum – either very young or older – have more difficulty coping with the heat, as is the case in humans.

To ensure our pets’ well-being, we must absolutely refrain from certain actions and activities in hot weather. Exercise (walking, running, energetic play, etc.) must be avoided, and walks should be taken in the early morning or in the evening. Animals must also never be left in a parked vehicle unless they are directly supervised and the air conditioning is on.

Pets should be encouraged to stay still and rest in a cool place or in the shade. They must have access to cool water at all times; for dogs, a padding pool or other source of water in which to take a dip can be a nice addition to their comfort. If you have air conditioning, now’s the time to switch it on and allow your pets to share its benefits.

Here are some of the most common symptoms that could indicate that your pet is experiencing heat stroke:

• Rapid panting or gasping
• Profuse drooling or foaming
• Deep pink, brick-red or bluish gums
• Confusion, sluggishness or exhaustion; failure to respond; unconsciousness
• Extreme weakness; unwillingness to walk
• Vomiting or diarrhea

The first thing to do is to contact your veterinary clinic. You will be told what to do until you can take your pet in, which you should do as soon as possible. You will be given tips to help your pet cool off, such as taking him into air-conditioned premises, wrapping him in wet towels or putting him in front of a fan. Beware of using excessively cold water or ice, as this may worsen the situation. In fact, you should monitor your pet’s body temperature so as not to bring it down too low. Once you deliver your pet to the clinic, your veterinary team will take over and continue the appropriate treatments, because even if your pet seems better, he can suffer from various aftereffects and must therefore be given the right care by veterinary professionals.