Heat Stroke in Pets

As the weather starts to heat up this season we would like to discuss and help you understand more about this life threatening condition. Understanding the potential causes, diagnostic steps, and treatment options can help you determine how to keep your pet safe and when to seek veterinary care.

What are the risk factors associated with Heat Stroke in Pets?

Since heat stroke can be life threatening, knowing the risk factors will help you keep your pets safe:

1. Extreme environmental temperatures
Both climates with extreme heat and extreme humidity can be dangerous. Pediatric and geriatric patients are also at an increased risk in these environments, as well as patients with dark fur color.

2. Excessive heat generation
Including increased exercise, or if a patient is seizing for a prolonged period of time.

3. Inability to cool effectively
Some of our patients have a limited ability to cool themselves effectively. Such as Brachycephalics (English, and French Bulldogs, Pugs, etc.) and Labs with Laryngeal paralysis.

4. Fever
Infectious disease or Cancer can cause Fevers in our pets

When to Seek Veterinary Care

If you have any reason at all to be concerned about potential heat stroke, the sooner you can get to vet the better. Here are some other signs to watch for:

Temperature >105.8F
Collapse, severe lethargy
Altered mental status
Bright red gums
Increased panting and respiratory effort
Bruising
Vomiting or diarrhea

Prior to seeking care, cooling measures can be started at home. However, over-cooling can have life threatening complications as well. Mild cooling measures such as a fan, a wet towel etc can be started. It is important to avoid cold baths and extreme cooling measures as this will drop the temperature too quickly.

Diagnosing Heat Stroke

If your pet experiences heat stroke here are some tests your veterinarian can perform to help diagnose this and help determine how badly affected your pet is.

Physical Examination: Checking for signs of dehydration, pain, or abdominal abnormalities. Behavior changes or changes in mentation.
Blood Tests: Evaluating organ function, infection, or metabolic disorders.
Urinalysis: Confirming if any kidney changes are related to dehydration vs Kidney dysfunction. Or looking for underlying conditions.
PT, aPTT: Clotting times to look for signs of severe complications associated with heat stroke.
Treatment Options for Heat Stroke.
Stabilization with oxygen and fluids (Intubation in severe cases)
Cooling until a temperature of 103.5F is reached.
IV Fluids.
Cold water gastric lavage.
Correct Hypoglycemia.
Treat seizures, cerebral edema, arrhythmias that may develop.
Plasma therapy if clotting times are prolonged.
Antibiotics.
GI protectants.
Anticoagulant therapy if indicated (Heparin)
Hospitalization: Offering intravenous fluids and intensive care for severe cases and chronic cases.
Preventing Heat Stroke in Pets.
Heat stroke is a condition that is completely preventable, here are some tips for prevention:
Provide plenty of fresh water in multiple locations during the summer months
Ensure your pet can not get stuck outside during the hottest times of the year
Avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day
When exercising during the warm months provide plenty of water and frequent breaks
Do not leave your pet in the car in the temperature is above 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit

Conclusion and Next Steps

Once a pet has had symptoms related to Heat Stroke they become more sensitive and susceptible to future incidents of this condition.
If any excess panting with weakness and/or collapse is noted have your pet evaluated immediately at the closest ER hospital.

Heat Stroke In Pets