Heat Stroke

While people are smart enough to know the risks of hot temperatures and take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming overheated, we sometimes forget to consider our animals needs. Heat stroke can be a life threatening condition for anyone--animals included. This article will focus on the risk factors for heat stoke as well as the signs, treatment, and prevention of heat stroke in animals.

Animal risk factors. Animals are at an increased risk for heat stroke if they are very old or very young, overweight, not used to being outside for long periods of time, not conditioned for prolonged exercise, or if they have heart, respiratory, or certain neurological diseases. Animals that have had problems with heat stroke previously are at risk for recurrence. In addition, animals on certain types of medications, including diuretics like Lasix, are at an increased risk for heat stroke.

Environmental risk factors. Certain environmental conditions also increase the odds of heat stroke happening. Obviously, the higher the temperature the greater the risk. Relative humidity also plays a critical role. With higher relative humidity, lower temperatures can predispose to heat stroke. For example, if it were 85 degrees outside, there would be a much higher risk for heat stroke if the humidity were 75% versus if the humidity were only 20%. Lack of shade, lack of water, and poor ventilation are other environmental factors that can increase the risk for heat stroke.

Signs. Animals with heat stroke will generally have a high body temperature. The normal body temperature for many of the common domestic species is about 100-102 degrees. In heat stroke, animals can experience body temperatures as great as 109 degrees. Temperatures at this level are life-threatening. Brain damage can occur at temperatures above 106 degrees. Increased panting, bright red mucus membranes, such as the gums, weakness, increased heart rate, lethargy, stupor, seizures, coma, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur. Liver, kidney, and heart problems can all result as well.

Treatment. Since heat stroke can be fatal, quick medical attention is critical. The main goal of treatment for heat stroke is to reduce the body temperature to a more appropriate level while avoiding overcooling. Body temperature can be decreased by placing towels that have been soaked in cold water on the animal, moving the animal to a cooler environment, using fans to help cool the animal, etc. IV fluids and other medications may be necessary to help stabilize the animal as well. Frequent temperature checks are necessary to assure that the body temperature does not fall below normal.

Prevention. As with many things, prevention is your best defense against heat stroke. When it is hot out or when there is high relative humidity, allow animals that are not used to hot temperatures to remain outside for short periods of time only. If an animal must be outside for long periods of time, assure that there is adequate shade and water available. Avoid intense exercise during the hottest part of the day. And most importantly, monitor animals frequently if they are outside for long periods of time, especially if they have any of the risk factors for heat stroke. 

The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of your regular veterinarian. Please do not hesitate to contact your regular veterinarian if you have questions regarding your pet.