HEAT STROKE IN WORKING DOGS

It seems like every time temperatures increase, we are cautioned about heat stroke in
our working dogs. And yet, do we really know what we need to know about heat stroke
in our Schutzhund dogs?

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that can cause damage to the dogs central
nervous system, cardiovascular system, lungs, kidneys, intestines, and more (Tabor).
While several of the top breeds for IPO can become well-adapted to the heat, working in
temperatures above 72 degrees Fahrenheit places some level of thermal stress on the
dog. Working in high humidity will further increase the heat stress on the dog, because
the humidity inhibits evaporative cooling, one of the main ways dogs cool themselves
down! Because dogs cannot sweat (other than between their paw pads), they must get
rid of excess heat by panting (evaporative cooling) and by relying on convective and
radiative cooling, which stops once air temperatures reach the dog's normal internal
temperature of about 100 degrees (Marshall, Tabor).

If the dog's core temperature rises too high, they will be unable to get rid of heat fast
enough and will overheat. High body temperatures then cause proteins to denature and
cells to die, particularly in the brain, intestines, and liver; these distressed and dying cells
then release chemicals that damage the tissues around them (Zink). Eventually, the dogs
body reaches a point past which recovery is impossible, and the dog dies of heat stroke.

Physical Activity and Heat Stroke

However, it is not just warm temperatures that can cause heat stroke. Extreme physical
activity can also cause heat stroke, as the dog's muscles produce a tremendous amount
of heat as a byproduct of cellular respiration (Zink). The more active the muscle, the
greater the amount of heat produced. Even in cool temperatures, the working dog can
exercise hard enough to raise their body temperature to 105 or 106 degrees in just
minutes; even sled dogs working in freezing temperatures can work hard enough to
become overheated (Zink)! Internal temperatures that climb above 106-107 degrees can
be fatal (Zink).

Warm temperatures coupled with intense physical activity can put the dog at risk for heat
exhaustion and heat stroke. Handlers must be alert for the signs of heat exhaustion,
which is the precursor to heat stroke. In heat exhaustion, the dogs breathing changes,
with panting becoming very fast and very loud (Zink). Additionally, there is excess
salivation and a flattened, widened tongue (Zink). The dog may begin to lose muscle
coordination and strength, and may quit activity and seek a shady, cool spot. Due to the
strenuous nature of bitework, it is relatively easy for Schutzhund dogs to be worked near
the point of fatigue and heat exhaustion in protection training; this is especially dangerous
in warm weather!
One of the last warning signs before a dog overheats is when the dogs tongue
widens at the end or curls up, or both (Zink). The muscles in the tongue are trying to
increase the tongue's surface area for evaporation, and this is the last cooling mechanism
the dog has (Zink). If you see this, take your dog to a cool area and let him rest, because
otherwise heat exhaustion will soon follow if activity continues!

If the dog is not immediately moved to a cooler area and cooled down, heat exhaustion
can quickly move to heat stroke. According to Dr. Christine Zink in her "Cool It!" article
for DogWorld Magazine, signs of heat stroke include:

Rapid pulse and rapid heartbeat

Glazed eyes
High body temperature
Warm and dry skin
Staggering or uncoordinated movement
Vomiting
Pale gums (usually white or bluish)
Excessive whining or agitation
Collapse

The dog only needs to be showing one of these symptoms in order for heat stroke to be
a possibility (Zink).

Cooling Down The Dog

If heat exhaustion or heat stroke are suspected, the dog must be cooled down
immediately. Use cool water from a hose to lower the dogs body temperature (Zink,
Marshall), focusing on the groin, inner thighs, belly, then head and neck. Fans can also
be used to help move the air over the dog and aid in convective cooling (Marshall). Move
the dog to a cool or shady location, and offer small amounts of cool water to drink, or ice
cubes for the dog to lick (Zink).

You can also immerse the dog in cool water, such as in a plastic wading pool. Ice water
and ice baths are not recommended, as ice water will cause vasoconstriction, making the
blood vessels shrink in diameter and thus impeding or preventing effective heat loss
(Marshall, Tabor). The dog needs to have blood vessels dilated in order to increase blood
flow to the surface of the skin, which then aids in heat loss. Additionally, placing a cool
towel over the dog and leaving it there can also prevent heat loss (Marshall).

However, if no water is available to help with cooling the dog, ice packs or alcohol can
be applied to the dogs inner thigh/groin area, head, and neck (Zink). Cooling efforts
should stop once body temperature reaches 103 degrees, in order to prevent hypothermia
(Marshall, Tabor).
 Some people make the mistake of thinking the dog is suffering heat exhaustion or heat
stroke because they are low on electrolytes. They offer liquids like Gatorade or Pedialyte
or other electrolyte replacement drinks. But heat stroke in dogs is a problem of
internal body temperature, not electrolyte levels. Additionally, because dogs do
not sweat, they primarily lose water vapor and not electrolytes (Zink). Giving electrolytes
to a dog when they are showing signs of heat exhaustion can actually dehydrate them
further, as these ions increase the salt concentration in the intestines and draw water out
of the body via osmosis to balance the higher levels of salt (Zink). This will make the
dog moredehydrated!

Even if the dog seems to be recovering, prompt veterinary attention is required for heat
stroke. There can be additional complications with heat stroke, such as kidney failure,
gastrointestinal damage, cardiac problems, and central nervous system abnormalities
(Tabor). In fact, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, where multiple organ systems fail
together, is common in heat stroke (Tabor). Thus, it is important that the dog be seen
and further treated by a veterinarian. Effects of heatstroke can continue for days after
the event.

Preventing Heat Stroke

Always be cautious and conscientious about working your dogs in the heat,
particularly during the first 4-6 weeks of the warm season (when dogs are most at risk
for heat stroke).

Keep your dog in good physical condition, and at an appropriate

weight. Overweight and out-of-shape dogs are more prone to heat exhaustion and heat
stroke.

Acclimate your dog to the heat, and build up their heat tolerance slowly. Full
acclimation can take approximately 60 days (Tabor).

Give your dog small amounts of cool water to drink before, during, and after work.

Always pay close attention to your dog. Quit working before he reaches heat
exhaustion.

Err on the side of caution: better for a session to be too short than to be too long!

Avoid the just one more time syndrome. If the dog is hot, tired, heavily panting
with a widened tongue (or tongue lolling out the side of the mouth), and seeking shade,
then end the session and go cool him down. Dont push for another repetition; this will
just force his internal body temperature even higher, increasing the risk of heat stroke.
 On warm days, hose your dog down before and after working. Focus on the groin
and inner thighs; this is where major blood vessels, such as the femoral artery, come
close to the surface, allowing for better heat loss in these areas. Hosing down the belly
will also help with evaporative cooling of the dogs core.

Cool down the dog after working instead of just putting him in his crate (even if you
hose him off before putting him away). A dog can overheat in his crate if not given
the chance to cool down, as his body temperature continues to climb even though he
is sitting still. Always cool your dog down after a workout, especially in warmer
temperatures! Take the time to walk him out slowly, offer small amounts of water, let his
respiration return to a more normal pant, and let his body temperature start to drop
before putting him up.

SOURCES
Marshall, Melissa. "Heat Stroke: Diagnosis and Treatment." DVM360 Magazine. August
2008. http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/heat-stroke-diagnosis-and-treatment

Tabor, Brandy. "Today's Technician: Heatstroke in Dogs." Today's Veterinary Practice.

September/October 2014 (Vol 4, No.
5). http://todaysveterinarypractice.navc.com/todays-technician-heatstroke-in-dogs/

Zink, M. Christine. Cool It! DogWorld Magazine. October 2005.