Hyperthermia - A Dangerous condition in dogs

Heat stroke or hyperthermia or elevated body temperature is usually one term. If a pet’s body temperature exceeds 103°F, it is considered abnormal or hyperthermic. Body temperatures above 106°F without previous signs of illness are most commonly associated with exposure to excessive external or environmental heat. Some people may think that winter is the only weather which can be dangerous for dogs. The fact is that hyperthermia can kill just as easily as hypothermia can.
Dogs don’t sweat like we do rather they expel heat through panting. This panting does cause them to lose water, which makes summer a deadly time for many dogs.
The most common cause of heat stroke or hyperthermia is leaving a dog in a car with inadequate ventilation. The dog’s body temperature can elevate very rapidly in this condition, often within minutes. It is important to remember that dogs cannot control their body temperature by sweating as humans do as they only have a relatively small number of sweat glands located in their footpads. Their primary way of regulating body heat is by panting.
Other common causes of heat stroke include being left in a yard without access to shade or water on a hot day. Excited or excessively exercised dogs are sometimes at risk even if the environmental temperature and humidity does not appear hot. This is particularly true if they are kept in a poorly ventilated environment or dog house.
Dogs with a restricted airway such as pugs, boxers, and bulldogs are at greater risk. In these breeds, clinical signs of heat stroke can occur when the outside temperature and humidity are only moderately elevated.
Dogs that are muzzled for any reason can be at greater risk since their ability to pant is restricted by the muzzle. Seizures or severe muscle spasms can also elevate the body temperature due to the increase in muscular activity.
It’s important to keep your dog cool this summer, so be sure to take the proper precautions. Most importantly, have plenty of clean, cool water where they can easily get it. Keep them indoors during the hottest time of day or at least make sure that they have plenty of shade. Also, be sure to never exercise your dog during the heat of the day.
If your dog has to be outside, try a cooling pack against his/her belly. They’ll appreciate how good it feels and you won’t have to worry about them overheating.