Heat stroke can quickly cause death in a dog if immediate medical intervention is not sought. A dog does not sweat, so it has a difficult time regulating its body temperature. Canines pant rapidly to exhale the overheated air from their system and breathe in fresh, cool air to lower their internal core temperature. A dog's normal body temperature is 101 degrees Fahrenheit. When a dog begins to experience heat stroke, its temperature rises to 104 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit for moderate heat stroke and tops 106 degrees Fahrenheit to become a life-threatening heat stroke.
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Causes
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Heat stroke occurs when a dog becomes overheated from being left in a hot car, confined in direct sunlight with no shade, placed on a concrete run or kenneled outside in excessive heat. Pug-nosed breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, are more prone to heat stroke due to their nose deformity which makes panting to cool their system difficult, according to Doctor Dog.
Symptoms
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A dog suffering from heat stroke will begin to pant rapidly, its tongue will appear bright red, its gums will be pale in coloration, weakness will result with disorientation, vomiting with blood may occur, and the dog may collapse. Coma and death quickly follow when the dog's rectal temperature rises above 106 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heat Stroke Treatment
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A dog that begins to show symptoms of heat stroke should be immediately moved to an air-conditioned room. When the dog's rectal temperature is over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, immersing the dog in cold water will help to treat the heat stroke and bring down the dog's core temperature quickly. Place the dog in a bathtub filled with cold water or use a garden hose to pour cooling water over the dog's body and head. Severe heat stroke occurs when the dog's rectal temperature is 106 degrees Fahrenheit or more and can prove fatal if not immediately treated by a veterinarian.
Diagnosis
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A veterinarian will be able to quickly diagnose heat stroke in a dog. A chemistry blood panel will be promptly taken by drawing blood from the dog. It will reveal the body's electrolyte levels and help the veterinarian evaluate the major organs. A dog suffering from a heat stroke will demonstrate less blood clotting ability, according to Pets MD.
Medical Care
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A veterinarian will work to treat heat stroke by cooling the dog's body down using ice packs and cold water. Electrolytes and sodium bicarbonates will be administered intravenously. The dog will also be given oxygen and kept calm while the medical staff works to bring its internal temperature down to an acceptable level. The dog may require hospitalization for one to two days while its condition is stabilized before returning home.
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