Heat Stroke in Dogs | Vet Tips

Dr. Lera talks about heat stroke in dogs with one of his own dogs, Ruby.
Heat stroke is a term commonly used for hyperthermia or elevated body temperature. Generally speaking, if a pet's body temperature exceeds 103°F (39.4°C), it is considered abnormal or hyperthermic. Body temperatures above 106°F (41°F) without previous signs of illness are most commonly associated with exposure to excessive external or environmental heat and are often referred to as heat stroke. The critical temperature where multiple organ failure and impending death occurs is around 107°F to 109°F (41.2°C to 42.7°C). Dogs suffering from heatstroke can have elevated breathing rates, dry or sticky gums, abnormal gum color, bruising in the gums, may appear lethargic or disoriented, and can have seizures. The most common cause of heat stroke or hyperthermia is leaving a dog in a car with inadequate ventilation. The dog's body temperature in this situation can elevate very rapidly, often within minutes. Their primary way of regulating body temperature is by panting. (source: VCA Hospitals)
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[@kathleenrayner1234]

Hello. A couple of years ago ) Australia) we has temperatures of 45.7 degrees Celsius. All dogs inside in air conditioning. Our back verandah was full of wild parrots etc. We set up sprinklers for wild birds and sprinkler systems for our aviary birds. Wow what a year. 🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕

[@DrLera]

Oh wow, that is really hot! Glad you set up those sprinklers.

[@afek841]

Hey, great video, but I can't seem to understand how can you identify a heat stroke, if a dog is panting for 15 minutes or so and then breathing normally, could that be a heat stroke?

[@mrbat434]

Hi, thank you for this video. It was very helpful. Another question related to to this is about fur length. I am going to south florida on vacation soon and would like to know some tips as well for sunburn in dogs. I am planning to travel with my dog (a cockapoo) and was wondering if having its fur length not too short would help protect against the heat and sunburn. Thank you!

[@DrLera]

Definitely having longer hair would help prevent sunburns on the skin and the haired areas. It's very hot and humid and South Florida and unless your dog is going in the water or going to be hose down quite frequently during the middle of the day I do not recommend having them play at that time. You will find that most dog parks are pretty empty during the day they're usually start to get full around dusk. If you're not cooling your dog off by by hosing them down in the middle of the day then you run the risk of your dog suffering from heat stroke.