Heat stress is a serious concern early in the hunting season when temperatures are still summer-like. Even though it may feel comfortable to the person, close to the ground where your dog is, the temperature could be 10 degrees hotter due to the sun’s reflection. Some of the following information was taken from www.gotcoolzone.com/toppage3.htm, www.thesmallmunsterlander.com/page6.html, and Oklahoma State University Safety Training at www.pp.okstate.edu/ehs/kopykit/HEAT.HTM.
We all know that dogs pant to cool off, which is a much more inefficient method of cooling than sweating. Not only that, but your dog cannot cool itself off if it is constantly breathing in hot air; likewise, drinking warm water may do it more danger than good. There has been some discussion about giving dogs drinks such as Gatorade but according to veterinarians, this could do more harm than good. Since dogs pant, they do not lose electrolytes like people and giving them additional electrolytes may do more harm than good. The consensus is that nothing beats cool water.
The amount of time it takes a dog to go from exposure to high heat to death can be as short as 20 minutes. The most common clinical signs of heat stroke are weakness, loss of balance, excessive and heavy panting, roaring breathing sounds, excessive salivation early and then dry gums as heat prostration progresses, confusion or inattention, decrease in mental awareness, and collapse. As the condition progresses towards heat prostration or heat stroke there may be obvious paleness or graying to the gums or absent breathing efforts.
One item hunters need as part of their equipment is a canine rectal thermometer; if a dog’s temperature is around 106 degrees Fahrenheit, you need to stop its activity and begin treatment, such as cool (not cold) water rinses or baths. If the dog’s temperature reaches 107, it is a critical situation; heat stress can also occur if the dog is in water over 75 degrees. Once a dog’s temperature reaches about 106 degrees, you only have a few minutes before irreversible damage occurs to its central nervous system.
If heat stroke occurs in your dog, 1- Gradually immerse the dog in cool water if possible. 2- Spray it with cold water from a garden hose. 3- Apply ice packs to the head and neck. 4- If you are in the field, bring the dog into the shade and try cooling the inner ear flaps and inner thighs with cold water. Above all, treat the dog promptly and take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible. A veterinarian must also treat heat exhaustion or heat cramps.
There are 3 levels of heat stress in people: cramps, exhaustion and stroke.
Heat cramps are muscle spasms which usually affect the arms, legs, or stomach. To prevent them, drink electrolyte solutions such as Gatorade during the day and try eating more fruits like bananas.
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body’s internal air-conditioning system is overworked, but hasn’t completely shut down. Symptoms include: headache, heavy sweating, intense thirst, dizziness, fatigue, loss of coordination, nausea, impaired judgment, loss of appetite, hyperventilation, tingling in hands or feet, anxiety, cool moist skin, weak and rapid pulse (120-200), and low to normal blood pressure. Somebody suffering these symptoms should be moved to a cool location such as a shaded area or air-conditioned building. Have them lie down with their feet slightly elevated. Loosen their clothing, apply cool, wet cloths or fan them. Have them drink water or electrolyte drinks. Try to cool them down, and have them checked by medical personnel. Victims of heat exhaustion should avoid strenuous activity for at least a day, and they should continue to drink water to replace lost body fluids.
Heat stroke is a life threatening illness with a high death rate. It occurs when the body has depleted its supply of water and salt, and the victim’s body temperature rises to deadly levels. A heat stroke victim may first suffer heat cramps and/or the heat exhaustion before progressing into the heat stroke stage, but this is not always the case, and it is sometimes mistaken for heart attack. The early symptoms include a high body temperature (103 degrees F); a distinct absence of sweating (usually); hot red or flushed dry skin; rapid pulse; difficulty breathing; constricted pupils; any/all the signs or symptoms of heat exhaustion such as dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, or confusion, but more severe; bizarre behavior; and high blood pressure. Advance symptoms may be seizure or convulsions, collapse, loss of consciousness, and a body temperature of over 108° F. It is vital to lower a heat stroke victim’s body temperature. Seconds count. Pour water on them, fan them, or apply cold packs. Call 911 and get an ambulance on the way as soon as possible.
To prevent heat stress: Condition yourself for working in hot environments – start slowly then build up to more physical work. Allow your body to adjust over a few days.
Drink lots of liquids. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty, by then, there’s a good chance you’re already on your way to being dehydrated. Electrolyte drinks are good for replacing both water and minerals lost through sweating. Never drink alcohol, and avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee and pop. Take a break if you notice you’re getting a headache or you start feeling overheated. Cool off for a few minutes before going back to work. Wear light weight, light colored clothing when working out in the sun. Take advantage of fans and air-conditioners. Get enough sleep at night.
Tags: , bird dog, heat stress, heat stroke, hunting dog
