FYI: Dogs & Heat Stroke

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The following information is FYI.
We are close to the Opening Weekend of Dove Season, I know that you care for your best friend as I do.

Heat stroke:

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body temperature exceeds 107 degrees for more than a few minutes.

Dogs are easily overheated in hot weather because their only significant way of releasing excess body heat is through panting.

Dogs at increased risk are thick-coated dogs, naturally anxious or "high-strung" dogs, short-nosed dogs, or "noisy panters." These dogs may overheat on a hot day even while resting in the shade.

Insufficient water to drink may also predispose a dog to overheating. Dogs left in a car even on relatively cool days may rapidly overheat because of the heat that gets trapped inside the car.

Initial signs of heat stroke are deep, rapid breathing and sluggish mental status, followed by loss of consciousness and possibly seizures (convulsions). Complications arising from heat stroke, even following treatment, include kidney and brain damage and widespread clotting of the blood inside the blood vessels (a deadly condition called D.I.C.). The first step to take if you suspect overheating or heat stroke is to lower the body temperature.

The goal is to lower it rapidly until it is less than 107 degrees, then slowly after that. Do not actually immerse the dog in water.

Saturate the fur with alcohol and cool water and apply cool compresses to the head and groin area.

If the dog is conscious, give him cool water to drink--small amounts every few minutes. Go to a veterinary emergency facility as soon as possible, since survival is some cases of heat stroke depends upon early initiation of intravenous fluid therapy.

[DuckE]

I lost a dog in the dove field 10 years ago. Let me tell you, it can happen faster than you think. Needless to say, I am a little gun shy about taking a dog unless it is cool out. Early in the morning is probably the best time for the dogs during the first season. I would think twice before taking my dog on a hot afternoon hunt.