Heat Distress in Pets - What to do
What symptoms should one look out for, if you should return to your MH and the temperature is elevated? What would you do with your pet? One time I had one of my dogs in a vari kennel drying, af...
Forum Discussion
Hyperthermia
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
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
