Answer: Signs of heat stroke include (but are not limited to):
- body temperatures of 104-110F degrees
- excessive panting
- dark or bright red tongue and gums
- sticky or dry tongue and gums
- staggering
- stupor
- seizures
- bloody diarrhea or vomiting
- coma
- death
(the short-nosed breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs), large
heavy-coated breeds, and those dogs with heart or respiratory problems
are more at risk for heat stroke.
If you suspect heat stroke in your pet,
seek veterinary attention immediately!
- Find some shade. Get your pet out of the heat.
- Use cool water, not ice water, to cool your pet. (Very cold water will cause constriction of the blood vessels and impede cooling.)
- Cool wet cloths on feet and around head.
- Do not aid body cooling below 103 F degrees - some animals can actually get HYPOthermic, too cold.
- Offer ice cubes for the animal to lick on until you can reach your veterinarian, but do not force ice or water to your pet.
Just because your animal is cooled and "appears" OK, do NOT assume
everything is fine. Internal organs such as liver, kidneys, brain, etc.,
are definitely affected by the body temperature elevation, and blood
tests and veterinary examination are needed to assess this. There is
also a complex blood problem, called DIC (Disseminated Intravascular
Coagulation) that can be a secondary complication to heat stroke that
can be fatal.