Heat stress (Guideline)

Guideline for the management of Heat Stress in Animals
Despite a long running and well recognised campaign by the RSPCA, it is still common for dogs
to suffer from heat stress whenever the temperature rises. Whilst people tend to be aware
of the risk of cars, they may not consider the risk posed by conservatories or greenhouses.
What powers do we have to intervene?
As a Veterinary Surgeon we are considered members of the public despite our expert
knowledge and skills and have no power to intervene if an animal is in distress, without first
obtaining an owner’s consent. It is therefore important to call 999 in such a situation and
request immediate Police attendance. RSPCA/SSPCA inspectors have no power of access and
cannot break into cars or houses, so it is better to call the emergency services before calling
the RSPCA.
Police officers are not normally allowed to remove animals without a certificate from a
Veterinary Surgeon. This must not be issued without first having sight of the animal or its
circumstances. The Police do have the power to act without a veterinary certificate where
delay in seeking a certificate would cause or exacerbate suffering. An animal in a hot vehicle
is considered by law to be such a situation.
If treatment fails and it is necessary to euthanase an animal without an owner’s consent,
permission must be obtained from a Police Officer. Such a decision will require a signed
veterinary certificate confirming that the animal requires immediate destruction. Normally,
where time allows, the opinion of two independent Veterinary Surgeons should be sought.
Keep a copy of the certificate, get it countersigned by the Police Officer and record their
name, collar number and station in the clinical records.
Welfare Working Party, June 2018

Treatment Recommendations
1. COOLING
Copious quantities of cold water should be poured over the animal
Avoid immersion in water
Ice can be used in packs over the groin/axilla, but not over extremities to
avoid vasoconstriction
Cold water enemas are effective and easy to administer
Cold water infusion into the bladder also works if catheterisation can be
easily and quickly performed
Intravenous fluids can also be cooled by running the giving set through cold
water or ice
Literature does describe cold water lavage via laparotomy
Stop cooling when the rectal temperature reaches 39.4C (103F) to avoid
hypothermia – thermoregulation is likely to be poor for some hours and
close monitoring is indicated.
2. REHYDRATION
All heat stressed animals should be considered severely hypovolaemic due to
evaporative heat loss.
Current advice suggests that boluses of fluids given to effect may provide a
benefit over traditional ‘shock rate’ fluids. Administer 20-30ml/kg (dogs) over
20 minutes and reassess. This can be repeated 3 times.
Monitor hydration, capillary refill time and urinary output. Renal function
may be compromised
3. COMPLICATIONS
DIC and clotting disruption are a consequence of severe heat stress and close
monitoring for petechial haemorrhage is advised
Consider plasma therapy if detected
Seizures will occur commonly and can be managed in the normal way
Multi-organ failure – this can be delayed for up to 3 days and bloods at 48hrs
post-incident are recommended
4.PROGNOSIS
This depends on speed of detection and intervention
If rectal temperature is over 42.3C (108.2F) then prognosis is extremely poor
to hopeless and euthanasia should be considered.
Lactate can be measured as an indicator of tissue perfusion / hypoxia
Welfare Working Party, June 2018