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The elevated body temperature affects multiple
organs. In heat stroke, dogs often present with
temperatures greater than 106F, have extreme
panting and hypersalivation, and the mucous
membranes are often dark. The animal is generally
shocky, may have diarrhea and/or vomiting, and is
often unresponsive or comatose.
The longer the temperature is elevated, the
worse the damage. Once you've determined the animal
has heat stroke, spray or immerse in cold water,
and get veterinary help.
Keep the windows down in the car on the way to
the veterinary clinic. Putting ice on animals is
not recommended as this constricts the blood
vessels, which impedes the heat loss.
Massaging the animal is thought to improve blood
flow and thus help cooling. It is not recommended
that you cool the animal below 103F as further
passive cooling will occur and animals often become
hypothermic.
Brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs, dogs with
upper airway diseases, and those with laryngeal
paralysis have difficulty dissipating heat and are
very susceptible to developing heat stroke.
Often animals with heat stroke require
aggressive treatment and monitoring for prolonged
periods.
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