19/07/2022
We've all heard the phrase DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS! And most of us are sensible enough not to leave them in hot cars or rooms as we know temperatures SOAR in the heat. BUT, we still see people exercising their dogs? 🥵
Well did you know that in fact, "exercise triggered over 10x as many canine heat-related illness events as hot cars, and caused 8x as many deaths". With a huge 74.2% of heatstroke reported to have occurred AFTER EXERCISE. Exposure to hot weather alone (sitting in the heat) triggered 12.9% and travel or confinement in a hot car triggered only 5.2%.
Let's not be ignorant pet owners. You wouldn't leave a dog in a hot car, so do not walk them in the heat! There are multiple stimulating exercises you can do at home to keep your dog mentally entertained, or walk early in the morning or late at night when it is cool.
KNOW THE FACTS
Here is what to look out for:
🔥 Elevated body temperature of 40.c+
🔥 Heavy panting
🔥 Agitation/whining/barking
🔥 Staggering/weakness/collapse
🔥 Increased heart rate
🔥 RED gums
🔥 Excessive thirst
🔥 Seizures
RAPID COOLING SAVES LIVES ⚠️
The problem is not only the temperature the dog reaches during heat stroke, but the time the dog spends at that peak temperature. COOLING IS KEY using whatever resources are available. Active cooling in the first instance can lower mortality rate from 49% to 19%!
Best methods of cooling: water & air!
💧Water combined with air movement – running water, soaking or immersion. Tap water is ideal for cooling dogs, it’s doesn’t have to be ‘tepid’ it just needs to be water combined with air movement (evaporation) to disperse heat and you have the most effective cooling mechanism.
🧊 Ice packs accelerate cooling alongside evaporative cooling and cold water but useless instead of. Do not apply directly to the skin.
💧Allow small amounts to drink and clear froth away from the mouth to facilitate the airways.
Once cooling has been established, head to the nearest vet whilst maintaining air flow (windows down or air con on in the car). Even if your dog appears clinically well after cooling, it is still recommended that your dog receives a full examination as damage can be delayed.
‼️It was common knowledge that only tepid water should be used to cool in cases of heat stroke however, more recent investigations have shown this method to be outdated. "The concept that ice or cold water causes vasoconstriction and slows the cooling process has never been scientifically validated, and in that singular study, that claim was completely refuted. Ice or cold water likely does cause vasoconstriction, but since dogs really doesn’t use radiation from their skin to cool down much anyway, vasoconstriction doesn’t take anything away that they needed for cooling in the first place. Also, any effect of vasoconstriction is likely far outweighed by the cooling effect of the ice or cold water. The life-threatening element of heat injury is prolonged body heat. You need to cool the body to a safe temperature (under 104 F) as fast as possible and the cooler the water temp, the faster they cool." Written by Dr Janice Baker.‼️
WET TOWELS should be avoided. Wet towels limit air movement making evaporative cooling less effective. Do not apply a ‘cool coat’ to a hot dog.
For more info checkout https://heatstroke.dog/2021/06/10/hot-dogs-at-bsava-congress-2021/
Credit to www.heatstroke.dog for the facts!
© The Dog First Aid Co. 2022
