The summers here in NOLA are hotter than hot, so keep your eyes peel for heat stroke symptoms.
Symptoms
- Panting
- Dehydration
- Excessive drooling
- Increased body temperature – above 103° F (39° C)
- Reddened gums and moist tissues of the body
- Production of only small amounts of urine or no urine
- Sudden (acute) kidney failure
- Rapid heart rate
- Irregular heart beats
- Shock
- Stoppage of the heart and breathing (cardiopulmonary arrest)
- Fluid build-up in the lungs; sudden breathing distress
- Blood-clotting disorder(s)
- Vomiting blood
- Passage of blood in the bowel movement or stool
- Black, tarry stools
- Small, pinpoint areas of bleeding
- Generalized (systemic) inflammatory response syndrome
- Disease characterized by the breakdown of red-muscle tissue
- Death of liver cells
- Changes in mental status
- Seizures
- Muscle tremors
- Wobbly, incoordinated or drunken gait or movement
- Unconsciousness in which the dog cannot be stimulated to be awakened
Treatment
Submerge your pet in cool water NOT cold water. Cold water or ice cold water causes the vessels to constrict and may cause heat dissipation. Cooling off at a rapid pace can cause other health problems too. Another cooling treatment is wrapping your dog in cool towels until your dog’s temp has reached a normal 103 degrees. Do not allow Fido’s temp to fall below 103. Once you get your fur baby stable go to your vet or local emergency pet hospital ASAP!