Summer Heat Can Be Deadly

I would like to tell you about an important summer issue concerning your pet's health. HEAT STROKE, otherwise known as heat exhaustion, sunstroke or hyperthermia, is a common and lethal problem. Heatstroke is due to an increase in body temperature generally related to high environmental temperature or inadequate ventilation. The process involves the dilation of blood vessels in response to high body temperature. As the vessels dilate, circulation slows and blood begins to pool. This in turn causes the blood pressure to drop and the bodies' own cooling mechanism stops. Core body temperatures can reach over 109 degrees (normal = 101.5). As body temperature continues to rise, sensitive cells (including those in the brain and intestinal tract) die. The progression of clinical signs starts with weakness and blank/dazed expression, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramping and shaking, eventual shock, collapse and death. If you think your pet is experiencing heat stroke, the best first aid is to submerse him is cool water and then get him to your veterinarian for treatment. Prevention is simple. Provide plenty of water and well-ventilated shelter. Animals should NEVER be locked in a car, even with the window cracked, or tied up in a yard or pen without shade.

This column was written by Mitch Spindel, DVM

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