bigcol Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Just to all the dog owners really, you may find the following info handy, its a bit long but it may help in this "heatwave" Dog Heatstroke Survival Guide Know how to treat and prevent this dangerous condition. What is heatstroke? In simple terms, heatstroke occurs when a dog loses its natural ability to regulate its body temperature. Dogs don't sweat all over their bodies the way humans do. Canine body temperature is primarily regulated through respiration (i.e., panting). If a dog's respiratory tract cannot evacuate heat quickly enough, heatstroke can occur. To know whether or not your dog is suffering from heatstroke (as opposed to merely heat exposure), it's important to know the signs of heatstroke. A dog's normal resting temperature is about 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Once a dog's temperature rises above 105 degrees, physiological changes start to take place, and the dog begins to experience the effects of heatstroke. At 106 to 108 degrees, the dog begins to suffer irreversible damage to the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, heart and brain. If a dog is experiencing heatstroke, you may observe excessive panting; hyperventilation; increased salivation; dry gums that become pale, grayish and tacky; rapid or erratic pulse; weakness; confusion; inattention; vomiting; diarrhea; and possible rectal bleeding. If the dog continues to overheat, breathing efforts become slowed or absent, and finally, seizures or coma can occur. The amount of damage a dog sustains when stricken with heatstroke depends on the magnitude and duration of the exposure. The longer and more severe the exposure, the worse the damage will be. What to do 1 Pay attention to your dog. Recognizing the symptoms of heatstroke and responding quickly is essential for the best possible outcome. 2 Get into the shade. If you think your dog is suffering from heatstroke, move it into a shaded area and out of direct sunlight. Apply cool water to the inner thighs and stomach of the dog, where there's a higher concentration of relatively superficial, large blood vessels. Apply cool water to the foot pads, as well. 3 Use running water. A faucet or hose is the best way to wet down your dog's body. Never submerge your dog in water, such as in a pool or tub - this could cool the dog too rapidly, leading to further complications, including cardiac arrest and bloating. 4 Use cool - not cold - water. Many people make the mistake of using cold water or ice to cool the dog. When faced with a dog suffering from heatstroke, remember that the goal is to cool the dog. Using ice or extremely cold water is actually counterproductive to this process because ice and cold water cause the blood vessels to constrict, which slows blood flow, thus slowing the cooling process. 5 Don't cover the dog. One of the keys to successfully cooling your dog is ensuring the water being placed on the dog can evaporate. Never cover an overheated dog with a wet towel or blanket. This inhibits evaporation and creates a sauna effect around your dog's body. Likewise, don't wet the dog down and put it into an enclosed area, such as a kennel. Any air flow during the cooling process is helpful in reducing the dog's body temperature. Sitting with the wet dog in a running car with the air conditioner blowing is an ideal cooling situation. 6 Keep the dog moving. It's important to try to encourage your dog to stand or walk slowly as it cools down. This is because the circulating blood tends to pool in certain areas if the dog is lying down, thus preventing the cooled blood from circulating back to the core. 7 Allow the dog to drink small amounts of water. Cooling the dog is the first priority. Hydration is the next. Don't allow the dog to gulp water. Instead, offer small amounts of water that's cool, but not cold. If the dog drinks too much water too rapidly, it could lead to vomiting or bloat. 8 Avoid giving human performance drinks. Performance beverages designed for humans are not recommended because they are not formulated with the canine's physiology in mind. If you can't get an overheated dog to drink water, try offering chicken- or beef-based broths. See a vet Once your dog's temperature begins to drop, cease the cooling efforts and bring the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your dog's temperature should be allowed to slowly return to normal once cooling has begun. A dog that's cooled too quickly may become hypothermic. Even if your dog appears to be fully recovered, the veterinarian needs to check to determine if the heatstroke caused any damage to your dog's kidneys and liver. The effects of heatstroke can continue for 48 to 72 hours longer, even if your dog appears normal. William Grant, DVM, a veterinarian for 20 years and former president of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association, has treated hundreds of cases of heatstroke, ranging from mild to fatal. According to Grant, the most common cause of death following heatstroke is disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (blood coagulating throughout the body), or DIC, which can occur hours or days after the heatstroke episode. DIC can also be caused by pyometra or septicemia, but Grant says heatstroke is the most common cause. "Once a dog develops DIC, it may bleed in the thorax, abdomen, nose and intestine," Grant says. "Once the blood-clotting factors are consumed, there is an inability of the blood vessels to prevent leaking; the condition is almost always fatal." For this reason, follow-up veterinary care is essential following a heatstroke episode, even if your dog seems to be completely fine. Prevention is the best medicine The best treatment for heatstroke is prevention. Especially during the summer months, it's essential to be aware of the potential for heatstroke. Knowing the signs of heatstroke, and taking the necessary steps to prevent it, will ensure your dog can have a safe and active life year-round. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewOW Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Good advice, and I heard about this too: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/nottinghamshire/8129826.stm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieP Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Good advice, and I heard about this too: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/nottinghamshire/8129826.stm Heartbreaking:( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamc Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Good advice, and I heard about this too: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/nottinghamshire/8129826.stm disgusting!! how long must they have been in the car???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garethr Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Disgusting!! How long must they have been in the car?According to the Dogs' Trust chief vet, on Radio 2 this morning, it can be minutes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieP Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 According to the Dogs' Trust chief vet, on Radio 2 this morning, it can be minutes. Yup, 20min in a hot car can kill a dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamc Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 from "trained" professional dog handlers that is ridiculous!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorin Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 from "trained" professional dog handlers that is ridiculous!! I hope they don't work with dogs again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbourner Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 Loki is wooly as well, he's not liking the heat at all even though he's blowing his coat at the moment. Also got sent this one: Click Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewOW Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 Loki is wooly as well, he's not liking the heat at all even though he's blowing his coat at the moment. Also got sent this one: Click Absolutely tragic, and not all is as it seems with this story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigcol Posted July 21, 2009 Author Share Posted July 21, 2009 Good advice, and I heard about this too: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/nottinghamshire/8129826.stm well the good news is the copper who did this is now getting prosecuted:d:d:d http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090721/tuk-police-dog-handler-to-be-prosecuted-6323e80.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L33 Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 thing is if you attack a police animal its the same as attacking a police officer, so will the officer in charge of the police dog get charged as if it is murder of another officer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 I'll put money on it now that the officer won't get anywhere near the punishment they deserve. There was no excuse good enough to let those dogs suffer in the way they did yet the old funny handshake will come into play yet again, I guarantee it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.