Travel First Aid Tip for Dogs: Heat Stroke

Introduction

We are placing a series of travel first aid tips for dogs on our website.  These tips were written for the “Canine Companion – Instructions & First-Aid Tips” that came with the Emergency First-Aid & Travel Kit for Dogs by Dr. Brooks Bloomfield of The Doctor’s Office for Pets located in Truckee, California, a well-known, highly-respected veterinarian with over 30 years of superbly practicing veterinary medicine on wildlife and domesticated animals.

There are so many times that we as pet owners long to have a great veterinarian’s advice on-hand 24/7 so that we’re not left with so many questions during stressful situations when something has happened to our beloved pup especially when traveling (doesn’t it always happen that these situations arise on weekends, too, when your veterinarian’s office is closed).

See dogtread.com

This travel first-aid tip deals with:  Heat Stroke.

“Heat stroke is a medical EMERGENCY!  Dogs with temperatures above 105 degrees Fahrenheit are at risk of seizures and organ damage. 

Dogs should be cooled by immersion in cold water or by placing wet towels or blankets over them.  Avoid alcohol baths.  Place the wet cloths in the armpits and groin area, as well as, over the body. 

When the temperature of your dog is below 104, stop the cooling to prevent too much of a drop.  The goal is to reach 102 degrees in 30-60 minutes.  Take the temperature every 5-10 minutes for a while to make sure it continues to return to normal (101 – 102? F). 

Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. 

Some heat stroke victims show signs of organ damage several days later so it is important to watch for abnormal signs after an episode.”

Note:  References to items or supplies noted in the above instructions were made in reference to the supplies that came in the Emergency First-Aid & Travel Kit for Dogs in conjunction with these instructions.

*Sunbathing dogs photo courtesy of caminoanimalclinic.com*

[pullquote_right]Wishing you and your fur-kids safe and happy travels this summer![/pullquote_right]