As the summer months are upon us now, it is important for pet owners to be on the lookout for the development of "Heatstroke" in their pets. Although heatstroke can affect our pets at any time of the year here in South Florida, we see an unfortunate increased incidence during the hotter months of July and August.

Dogs and cats have a normal body temperature of 100.5-102.5 Fahrenheit. In heatstroke, they experience a body temperature of 105-110 F. During this time, they are unable to lower their body temperature using the usual mechanism of panting.

Heatstroke often occurs in pets that are kept in areas where shade and water are lacking and the surrounding temperatures are in excess of 90 F. A real good example would be an unventilated, hot, parked car or in a shipping crate. Pets with short noses such as Persian cats, Boxers, and Pekinese are especially susceptible. Old or fat pets are also more prone to heatstroke, since they are less able to regulate their body temperature in warm or hot environments.

The signs of heatstroke are dramatic and severe. The affected pet will have a rectal temperature over 106 F and will show extreme panting, drooling, a fast, pounding heartbeat and pulse, and weakness. The mucous membranes (gums and conjunctiva of the eyes) will be congested or bright red. Other signs depend on how long the animal has been subjected to the high environmental heat. These include respiratory distress, hemorrhaging like vomiting and diarrhea, and bruising (petechiation) on the body. These may progress further to a staring, blank expression, seizures, coma, and death.

If you find that a pet is experiencing heatstroke, emergency measures must be undertaken immediately to avoid permanent brain damage and death. Remove the pet from the hot confined area and move it to a shaded, or better yet an air-conditioned room. Immerse or spray the animal with cool (not cold) water. Apply rubbing alcohol on footpads, armpits, and groin. Use an electric fan to cool the pet. Ice baths are not recommended since shivering and vasoconstriction will decrease heat loss. Stop cooling the pet when the rectal temperature reaches 103 F to avoid a precipitous drop in body temperature.

If your pet stops panting, seems more relaxed, and responds normally to your voice, you are doing well. Give your pet ice cubes or a small amount of water. Tremendous fluid loss occurs during heatstroke and must be replaced. Gatorade works well also. Once your pet seems improved, a veterinarian should examine it.

If your pet does not improve or relapses, get to the veterinarian immediately. Make sure you car is well ventilated and keep applying alcohol or cool water compresses to its head and groin area. Once at the veterinarian, if your treatment was successful, the doctor will examine your pet to make sure no permanent damage has occurred. If your emergency treatment was not successful, it will be necessary to hospitalize your pet for further treatment and monitoring. Your pet may need to have intravenous fluids and to be treated for shock. Oxygen may be given if needed and the pet will be observed closely for at least the next 24 hours. Longer treatment may be needed depending on the duration and severity of the heatstroke.

Some very simple steps can prevent heatstroke in our pets. Adequate ventilation, shade, and free access to water are necessary. Never ever leave your pet in a closed car on warm days. Park in the shade and leave the windows open for ventilation. Keep water in the car for your pet. If your pet is old, short nosed, or overweight, these precautions may not be enough. Try to keep them in a cool room with an adequate water supply.

-Dr. Michael Shaff owns and practices at The Animal Clinic of Woodmont at 8295 N. Pine Island Road in Tamarac, FL. A University of Pennsylvania graduate, he is also a member of the South Florida Academy of Veterinary Medicine. He can be reached at (954) 726-3647.