Summer is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities with your dog, but while you are embracing yourself in the sun, don’t forget your dog can get overheated easier and quicker than you, leading to heatstroke.
How hot is too hot for dogs?.
We consider your dog is suffering from heat stroke when his/her body temperature reach over 41°C, that is because normal cellular enzyme activity and cell membrane stability start to alter at 42.8°C.
At high ambient temperature, the dog’s body will try to regulate its temperature by increasing his/her heart rate, driving blood towards the skin, helping it to lose heat (heat dissipation). When blood get pooled towards the skin and other internal organs, the body’s circulating volume drops. At the same time, the body starts to dehydrate from heat dissipation. Overall there is less blood supplying to the heart and the heart can no longer support the circulation. Dysfunction and damage occurs with cellular damage, platelet and coagulation cascade abnormalities, and multiple organ failure.
What causes heat strokes?
• Expose to hot/humid environment
• Strenuous exercise
• Poorly ventilated environment
What are the signs?
• Heavy panting
• Racing heart
• Excessive drooling
• Red or purple gums and tongues
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Seizures
• Collapse or staggering
What are the risk factors for heat strokes?
• Brachycephalic breeds - French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, and Pugs
• Labrador retrievers / Golden retrievers
• Body weight > 15kg
• Confinement
Appointment/Enquiry: 3650 3000 (Mon-Sun: 9:00am – 7:00pm)
Address: G-2/F, Trinity Towers, 339 Lai Chi Kok Road, Sham Shui Po
Online booking for revisit with primary care veterinarians or vaccination:
https://www.cityuvmc.com.hk/en/online-booking
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• Confinement