Summer is just around the corner and by now everyone has probably realized that overheating is a major danger for dogs. But what about the differences between dog breeds? What to do if a dog overheats? And what factors increase the risk of overheating? You can find out all this and more in our article.
Suffering from heat stroke is like being caught in a hot oven - an acute and life-threatening situation. It happens particularly often in oppressive heat and high humidity, when the body produces more heat than it can give off. This can happen, for example, if a dog is left in a hot car (classic case) or if he exerts himself too much (exercise-induced heat stroke).
Heat stroke is typically associated with a core body temperature of over 40°C and disrupts the central nervous system.
Interestingly, healthy and active dogs, such as those often found among working dogs, can reach body temperatures between 40 and 42°C without necessarily having any problems. But be careful, that doesn't mean they're invulnerable! Even though they have better heat tolerance, we should still be careful not to overheat them. In these dogs in particular, the cause of heat stroke is often exercise-related.
Dogs' body temperature is regulated by the balance between heat input from their environment and heat release. When the outside temperature is higher than their own body temperature, dogs absorb heat from their surroundings.
And how do they give off the heat? Well, they have a few tricks up their sleeves. They sweat a little through their paws and nose, but mostly they pant.
At hot temperatures above 31°C, skin heat release becomes ineffective and the dog can only regulate its body temperature by panting.
The thermoneutral zone for dogs varies depending on their coat structure and breed. Long-haired dogs prefer temperatures between 15 and 20 °C, while short-haired dogs feel most comfortable at 20 to 25 °C. For Nordic dogs, the ideal temperature is between 10 and 15 °C. Outside these ranges, the body must expend additional energy to regulate body temperature.
This makes it clear that choosing the right breed is crucial, especially in relation to the climate in which you live. Not all dog breeds are suitable for every climate. An extreme example: a resident of Peru should not get a husky, just as someone from Siberia should not choose a hairless dog. Germany has a temperate climate, so there are no strong restrictions when choosing breeds. Still, it should be taken into account that certain breeds may need more support to regulate their body temperature during the winter and summer seasons. It is important that the needs of the breed match the climatic conditions of the place of residence in order to provide the dog with a healthy and comfortable life.
At a temperature of around 25°C, the dog begins to increase its breathing rate and pant - a natural reaction to the heat. But here's the catch: Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dog breeds have it a little more difficult. Because of their anatomy, they use more energy breathing and have a reduced ability to lose heat through panting compared to dogs with medium nasal-skull proportions - the so-called mesocephalic breeds.
Breeders should therefore work to avoid overbreeding such breeds and instead focus on healthier traits such as large nostrils and healthy nose-to-skull proportions.
Now that we've looked at the different aspects of heat stroke and heat sensitivity in dogs, let's take a look at two other important factors that can increase the risk of heat stroke: the dog's age and size.
As dogs get older, their risk of heat stroke increases. That's because older dogs are more likely to suffer from comorbidities such as respiratory or heart disease, which can affect their ability to cope with heat. They also tend to be slightly chubby and are more susceptible to heat stroke due to a higher percentage of subcutaneous fat and lower cardiovascular fitness.
In addition to age-related health problems, the risk also increases in large dog breeds, especially if they exceed the 50 kg mark. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to the health and weight of our dogs to ensure their well-being and safety.
But that is not all! Acclimatization plays an important role for dogs, especially during large temperature fluctuations, which can lead to increased heat stroke incidents in early summer. This customization begins within approximately 4 days and is typically completed in 20 days, but may take up to 60 days. It is crucial to give our dogs enough time to adjust to the temperatures and ensure they are comfortable.
Nachdem wir nun wissen, wie ernsthaft ein Hitzeschlag für unsere Hunde sein kann, werfen wir einen Blick auf das Erkennen von Anzeichen und die lebensrettenden Erste-Hilfe-Maßnahmen!
Many thanks to our K9andSports Ambassador and Veterinarian Dr. Simon Bach for the following information:
Heat stroke can be life-threatening for dogs, and the symptoms can be varied. These include heavy panting with profuse salivation, rapid and shallow breathing, bright red to purple mucous membranes, staggering and staggering, vomiting, apathy and a body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius. It is important to take these symptoms seriously and act quickly.
First measures, especially in the case of exercise-related heat stroke, include radically cooling down the dog, preferably by immersing it in cold water. The circulatory strain plays a minor role, as it is crucial to quickly reduce the body temperature. It is advisable to measure your body temperature every five minutes and ensure that it drops below 40°C quickly.
If the dog is unconscious, it should be placed on its side with its head extended, making sure the airway is clear. Don't forget to check the mouth for vomit. And very important: The animal should be taken to a veterinarian as quickly as possible in order to receive appropriate medical care.
Because every minute counts when it comes to the well-being of our dogs!
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