Heat Distress in Pets - What to do

Code2High wrote:
So in humid environments, you would want to use more water, such as the cooling tubs they use at herding trials, to get the dog (or whatever) cooled down.

Our rules state....

Water may be provided on the course for competing dogs if humidity, temperature, elevation or a combination of conditions apply. Handlers may send the competing dog to water at their discretion with no loss of points. Time will not be stopped. The judge may call a run, with points held to that point, if they deem the dog or sheep are in distress.

I have taken advantage of the water on course for my dogs.

There are two different aspects to cooling with water, that people need to be aware of. In dry environments, evaporation will do a lot of cooling very fast. In humid environments, it will not.

However, water is always a much more efficient conductor of heat energy away from the body than air is. So in humid environments, you would want to use more water, such as the cooling tubs they use at herding trials, to get the dog (or whatever) cooled down. The water needs to get to the skin to do the job and keeping it moving will help. The belly is a less hairy area and a good area for cooling, also the feet and the head/ears/throat.

In situations where it's possible to do, getting the victim (canine or feline or human or....) out of the environment is ideal IF it is possible. If it isn't, and really sometimes it isn't (or won't be fast enough), you have to do what you can where you are. Larger quantities of water (a tub, pool, or a hose or whatever you can get) would then be your friend while you make arrangements to get the patient out of the situation.

Remember always that even 80 degree water is a lot cooler than normal body temp for humans and animals, and because water absorbs heat efficiently, will do a lot of cooling. Shocking the body with ice is not a good plan and may create a second crisis. So use water that is tepid to cool, not "cold," except that if what you've got is a bottle of ice water putting a little of it on someone while something else is in the works might be fine. You do have to use common sense.

I had my two cats get overwhelmed in the heat a few years ago on a trip through the desert. Both went into the shower and Boo (long hair) then spent some time arguing with me about sitting in front of the fan. I won the argument and he was fine in a little bit.

Finally... If you cool an animal down but are unsure about how serious the situation is, the next thing to do is get proper medical care. I'm all for home nursing but if you are thinking "I wonder if he's okay?!" then it's time for professional guidance. Different people have different levels of knowledge and expertise and you always want to stay within your own.

Thanks Dr. Doug! Having a boxer and living in GA, I have to pay close attention to this potential problem in the summertime.

Hyperthermia

Veterinary Partner Web Site wrote:
What to Do
•Remove your pet from the environment where the hyperthermia occurred.
•Move your pet to shaded and cool environment, and direct a fan on her.
•If possible, determine rectal temperature and record it.
•Begin to cool the body by placing cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits, and in the groin region. You may also wet the ear flaps and paws with cool water. Directing a fan on these wetted areas will help to speed evaporative cooling. Transport to the closest veterinary facility immediately.

What NOT to Do
•Do not use cold water or ice for cooling.
•Do not overcool the pet.
•Most pets with hyperthermia have body temperatures greater than 105°F, and a reasonable goal of cooling is to reduce your pet’s body temperature to 102.5-103°F while transporting her to the closest veterinary facility.
•Do not attempt to force water into your pet’s mouth, but you may have fresh cool water ready to offer should your pet be alert and show an interest in drinking.
•Do not leave your pet unattended for any length of time.

We usually stop cooling efforts when rectal temps hit 102-103. Be aware that there are some significant symptoms that occur in the hours/days after a severe overheating episode, including pretty serious hemorrhagic diarrhea.

Doug, DVM