HEAT SROKE SIGNS

• Recognize Heat Stroke Signs


Recognizing the early signs of heat stroke may help prevent it from becoming life threatening. One should be watch for heavy panting, noisy breathing, and thick saliva. Heat stroke typically takes place when the dog's rectal temperature measures over 1040F. A normal dog's temperature ranges from 100 to 1020F.

As seen, there are so many ways to protect your dog and cat. Keeping fresh water always around and monitoring your dog and cat for signs of suffering from the heat are great ways to ensure your pet stays cool and well hydrated during the dog days of summer.

TURTLE - EYE INFLAMMATION

This turtle has swollen eyes and was not able to open his eyes due to pain. complete history revealed that one day the direct water supply was used instead of filetered one. on that day the chlorine content in the water was too high and the skin of turtle turned pink with in few minutes of exposure to chlorinated water. Chlorinated water was the source of this eye condition. Treatment was given and the turtle recovered very well.
always check the temperature of water and the amount of chlorine in the water to take care of your pets.

coco (turtle)

Turtles are cold blood creatures, and they depend on outer sources for heat. the temperature of water area and land area should be maintained between 70 - 80 degree F.In summers the level should not go beyond this range and in winters you can put some light source to keep the temperature manintained.

FEVER VS HYPERTHERMIA IN DOGS

A fever is defined as abnormally high body temperature. It is believed that fever is a method of fighting infection. The body resets the temperature control area of the brain to increase the body temperature – probably in response to invasion of foreign matter such as bacteria or viruses. Since many invaders do not thrive in hot environments, by increasing the temperature of the body, these invaders can be destroyed.

This is different from hyperthermia, which is an increase in body temperature due to external influences such as hot weather, inability to pant or sweat. The brain does not intend for the body temperature to increase.

Fever is usually differentiated from hyperthermia based on the animal's recent environment, for example if he was in a hot car or just went for a long jog in 100 degree heat, as well as the animal's response to the increased temperature.

guinea pig - Related facts

Do you know following things about Guinea pig -

* Body temperature is 99 - 103°F.
* Heart rate is 240-350 beats per minute.
* Respiratory rate is 40-150 breaths per minute.
* An average adult male weights 900-1200 grams.

* An average adult female weighs 700 - 900 grams.

* Life span is 5 - 8 years.
* Guinea pig's teeth are open-rooted and they grow continously.

* Guinea pigs are strict herbivores.

prevention and treatment of hyperthermia

Prevention
Keep pets with heat stroke in the shade as even normal activity in hot summer for these pets can be harmful.
Provide access to water at all times.
Do not leave your pet in a hot parked car even if you're in the shade or will only be gone a short time.
Make sure outside dogs have access to shade.
On a hot day, restrict exercise and don't take your dog jogging with you. Too much exercise when the weather is very hot can be dangerous.
Do not muzzle your dog.
Avoid places like the beach and especially concrete where heat is reflected and there is no access to shade.
Wetting down your dog with cool water or allowing him to swim can help maintain a normal body temperature.
Move your dog to a cool area of the house. Air conditioning is one of the best ways to keep a dog cool, but is not always dependable.

To provide a cooler environment, freeze water in soda bottles, or place ice and a small amount of water in several resealable food storage bags, then wrap them in a towel or tube sock. Place them on the floor for the dog to lay on.

TREATMENT -

Hyperthermia is an immediate medical emergency. Safe, controlled reduction of body temperature is a priority.

Cool water may be poured over the head, stomach, underarms and feet, or cool cloths may be applied to these areas.

Rubbing alcohol may be applied to the footpads to dilate pores and increase perspiration. Ice may be placed around the mouth and anus.
The dog’s rectal temperature should be monitored regularly and discontinue treatment once he shows signs of recovery or his temperature has fallen to 103ºF.

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.