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Tag: heat stroke

Heat Stroke in Horses

Hot temperatures and high humidity can lead to heat stroke in horses.

Heat stroke is a condition that occurs when a horse is unable to lose body heat and its body temperature increases rapidly, which can lead to the respiratory, vascular, nervous and muscular systems to stop working as normal. Therefore, heat stroke must be treated promptly and properly.

Symptoms

Heat stroke may start as dehydration or heat exhaustion, with heat stroke rapidly following:

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  • Restlessness/Lethargy
  • Rapid pulse and breathing which may progress to a weak pulse
  • Heavy breathing
  • Increased sweating
  • Excessive salivation
  • Redness of the tongue and oral area
  • High body temperature
  • Erratic heart beat
  • Muscle spasms
  • Stumbling gait
  • Collapse

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Prevention

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  • Taking caution not to expose the horse to hot and humid conditions.
  • Ride in the morning or late evening, avoiding the hottest time of the day.
  • Provide plenty of water.
  • Provide shade/shelter.
  • Avoid travelling the horse in the heat, unless there is adequate ventilation.
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Causes

Exposure to a very hot or humid environment, combined with inadequate ventilation, can lead to heat stroke. Other common causes include:

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  • High level of physical stress
  • Excessive exercising
  • Increased weight (obesity)
  • Respiratory diseases

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Treatment

Time is of the essence when it comes to treating heat exhaustion.

If you suspect your horse is suffering from heat stroke, you must cool it down and ring your vet immediately who will advise you on what to do until they arrive.

Cold water should be applied to the skin, usually poured over the horse’s body. Also, fanning the horse and guiding it to a shady area will assist in cooling the animal.

Heat stroke indicates a severe loss of electrolytes, so intravenous electrolyte administration is often recommended as part of the treatment process for heat exhaustion.

 

HEAT STRESS IN DOGS

Overheating and heat stress can be a killer so here are some tips to help your dog have a happy and healthy summer.

 

SYMPTOMS:

  • Panting excessively
  • Drooling
  • Increase in heart rate
  • Reddened/purple gums
  • Vomiting and Diarrhoea
  • Seizures progressing to coma and even death.

TREATMENT:

As soon as possible move your pet to a cooler spot, keep them as quiet and calm as possible. Use wet cool towels to gradually lower the temperature and use a fan if possible. Contact your vet as soon as possible as serious complications may result.

 

PREVENTION:

  • Exercise your dog early morning/late evening to avoid the midday sun.
  • Ensure access to shade in the garden you could even supply a paddling pool!
  • Have fresh cool water available, put ice -cubes in the water if taking some out with you.
  • Be extra careful with either very young or old, overweight or longhaired animals. Some breeds are more likely to suffer including short-nosed breeds such as boxers and pugs etc.
  • NEVER leave your pet in a parked car even on overcast days the temperature can increase dramatically.
  • Clip longhaired breeds.
  • Use a fan in the rooms where you pet likes to settle.