What is the survival rate of a dog with heat stroke?

The summer sun is hot and dazzling. We enjoy the coolness brought by air conditioning, but our beloved dogs are facing the danger of heat stroke under the threat of high temperature. When a dog unfortunately suffers from heat stroke, our hearts are instantly filled with worry and fear, and the heart-wrenching question comes to mind: What is the survival rate of a dog with heat stroke? This question is like a boulder hanging in our hearts, heavy and suffocating. ​

Heat stroke in dogs is medically known as heat stroke, which is an extremely serious disease. The dog's body temperature regulation system is not as perfect as that of humans. They mainly dissipate heat through breathing and foot pads. In a high temperature environment, especially when it is in direct sunlight or a hot and unventilated space for a long time, it is easy for dogs to have difficulty in dissipating heat and their body temperature rises sharply. Once the body temperature exceeds the normal range (the normal body temperature of a dog is between 38℃ - 39℃), the organs of the body will suffer severe damage.​

When a dog has heatstroke, it may show symptoms such as lethargy, shortness of breath, and drooling in the early stage. It is heartbreaking to see the lively baby become so listless. As the disease progresses, the dog may vomit, have diarrhea, convulsions, or even coma. At this time, their body is like an out-of-control machine, and all parts are on the verge of collapse under the high temperature. Heatstroke is harmful to the dog's body in all aspects. The heart is under great pressure and may have arrhythmia; the brain is edematous due to high temperature, affecting the function of the nervous system; the kidneys may also be damaged by dehydration and high temperature, leading to renal dysfunction.

The survival rate of dogs suffering from heatstroke is affected by many factors. Among them, the timeliness of discovery and treatment plays a key role. If we can detect and take correct first aid measures quickly in the early stage of heatstroke in dogs, the survival rate will be greatly improved. For example, when a dog is found to have signs of heatstroke, it should be immediately moved to a cool and ventilated place, and its body, especially the abdomen, paw pads, ears and other parts, should be wiped with a wet towel to help it dissipate heat. At the same time, feed the dog with water in small amounts and multiple times to replenish the lost water. These seemingly simple operations can fight for precious life for the dog at a critical moment. Every second of timely action may become the light of hope for the dog to survive. ​

However, if it is discovered late, the dog has fallen into a coma or has severe convulsions and other symptoms, and the survival rate will be greatly reduced. In this case, the dog needs to be sent to the hospital for professional treatment as soon as possible. In the hospital, doctors will take a series of measures, such as intravenous infusion to correct dehydration and electrolyte disorders, use drugs to lower body temperature, and protect the functions of important organs. But even so, due to the serious damage caused by heatstroke to the dog's body, some dogs may not survive this. Every pet doctor goes all out when facing a dog with heatstroke. They know that what they hold in their hands is the dog's life and the owner's hope. ​

The survival rate of dogs with heatstroke is also related to the dog's own physical condition. Young and healthy dogs have relatively good physical functions. If they receive timely treatment after heatstroke, they are more likely to recover. Elderly dogs, small dogs, and dogs with chronic diseases are more vulnerable and have poor resistance. They are often in greater danger after suffering from heat stroke, and their survival rate is relatively low. When we see these fragile little guys suffering from heat stroke, our hearts seem to be pierced by thousands of needles, and we just hope that they can get better miraculously. ​

In the hot season, as the guardians of dogs, we shoulder the important task of preventing dogs from suffering from heat stroke. Try to avoid taking dogs out during high temperature periods, especially from 12 noon to 3 pm. If you must go out, provide dogs with plenty of drinking water, choose a cool route, and bring sunshade tools. At home, make sure the environment where the dog lives is well ventilated, and use a fan or air conditioner to adjust the temperature when necessary. Every small preventive measure may be a strong guarantee for dogs to stay away from the danger of heat stroke. Because we really can't bear to see dogs suffer from heat stroke, and we are even more unwilling to face the cruel reality of losing them. Dogs are warm companions in our lives. They give us unconditional love and trust. We should take good care of them so that they can spend the hot summer days in health and happiness. Only in this way, when we talk about the heart-wrenching topic of dogs' survival rate from heatstroke, we will feel more at ease and less worried.