The body temperature of anyone can rise and it can happen for different reasons. Still, it is in the same light that, pets can also experience an increase in body temperature. An elevated body temperature is called hyperthermia or heat stroke, when the temperature of a pet goes above 39.4 degrees Celsius, it is considered a hyperthermic or abnormal situation.
When the body temperature of a pet instantly rises to 41 degrees farenhite without previously showing a sign of illness, it is often believed to be caused by an exposure to excessive external or environmental heat. When a body temperature gets to 107 degree farenhite, it is characterized by multiple organ failure, and impending death.
Hyperthermia is of three types, although the terms are used interchangeably, there are differences between each of them. Heat stress is linked with increased thirst and panting. The dog is aware mentally and can move around. Heat exhaustion is a more serious type of heat stress, associated with an increase in thirst, heavy panting, and general weakness. Heat stroke, on the other hand, is the most severe form of hyperthermia, when the temperature of the pet increases so high at this point, organ failure and dysfunction follow suit.
A dog that is suffering from heatstroke will experience an elevated breathing rate, abnormal color of gum, bruises around the gum, dry or sticky gum, seizures, and may look disoriented or lethargic. Most commonly, heat stroke is caused when a pet is left in a car with improper ventilation, in this case, the body temperature of the dog can spike in a matter of seconds or minutes.
If you think your pet is experiencing overheating, then you should immediately swing into action before it becomes a life-threatening situation. Experts recommend, a ''cool-first, transport-second'' system, where first aid is applied for immediate relief of heatstroke, then veterinary help should secondly be sought. Firstly, take the pet to a cool spot with good ventilation or fan, offer them little sips of water, and do not force them to drink a lot, also pour water of temperatures cooler than their body temperature over them.
Like I always say, prevention is better than treatment, and you can help your pet stay away from heat stroke to avoid stories that touch, make sure your pet consistently has access to a cool well well-ventilated area both indoors and outside. During warm days, dogs should be walked in the early hours of the morning, and water bottled should be parked during a walking trip. A code to walk on corridors is that, if it's hot for your feet, then it is also hot for your pet's paws as well.
Hyperthermia requires immediate medical treatment, the treatment plan depends on how long the hyperthermia persists, and the physical condition of the pet bet before heatstroke, most times, the pets will recover after treatment. In some cases, the pet can experience organ damage, or they may die after some complications that happened secondary to hyperthermia.
Dogs who have a naturally restricted airway, and muzzled dogs, are at a higher risk of experiencing heat stroke, the symptoms can begin when the outdoor temperature is a little elevated.
Dogs do not sweat like humans, they only have a relatively small number of sweat glands located in their foot pads, the basic way they can regulate body temperature is through panting. A dog can also get heatstroke when left in a compound on a hot day without any form of shade, or water, also being exposed to a hair dryer for a long time, long and vigorous exercises too add a lot.
References
animalemergencyservice/heat stroke