Page 90 - 2026 SMOG

MWD HEAT INJURY
MILD Heat Injury MODERATE Heat Injury SEVERE Heat Injury
Heat Stress—excessive Heat Exhaustion—heat stress Heat Stroke—heat exhaustion
thirst, discomfort associated is present, as well as weakness, present, coupled with varying
with physical activity, mild anxiety, and uncontrolled degrees of CNS abnormalities
dehydration, but with controlled panting (i.e., the patient cannot (changes in mentation and level of
panting (i.e., the patient can reduce panting when exposed consciousness, seizures, abnormal
control or reduce panting when to a noxious inhalant), but pupil size, blindness, head
exposed to a noxious inhalant central nervous system (CNS) tremors, and ataxia)
such as alcohol abnormalities are not present.
Mild Heat Injury Treatment
• Cease work and remove MWD’s gear or vests.
• Remove from source of heat; move to shade or airconditioned area; use fans if available.
• Offer cool water in small increments frequently.
• Monitor temperature every 15–30min to ensure mild injury doesn’t progress; perform serial
physical exams.
Treatment
• Moderate/Severe Heat Injury
Perform a primary survey and assess the airway, breathing, and circulatory system.
˚ Immediately initiate active cooling measures; soak the dog’s hair and skin with tepid water; remove
˚ gear or vests; use fans if available.
Continue active cooling measures until body temperature is reduced to 103°–103.5°F
˚ Obtain vascular access and begin IV fluid therapy with an initial crystalloid bolus of 10–20mL/kg.
˚ Assess for shock; if present, follow the shock resuscitation protocol
˚ Give IV crystalloid fluids 3–5mL/kg/hr if not in shock
˚ Be prepared to support/correct rebound hypothermia (the dog may be hypothermic on arrival or
˚ develop hypothermia during treatment)
Monitor for any development of additional complications that may require treatment, such as CNS
˚ abnormalities, cardiac arrhythmias, bleeding disorders, or electrolyte abnormalities
CEASE cooling efforts once the body temperature is 103°–103.5°F to prevent rebound hypothermia.
Actively warm the dog if the temperature is <100°F
• Provide Intensive Monitoring and Management
Maintain normotension—target MAP of >65mmHg or systolic BP >90mmHg
˚ Maintain ventilation—target RR of 8–10 bpm and EtCO of 35–45mmHg
2
˚ Maintain oxygenation—target SpO >95% with supplemental oxygen
2
• ˚ Control Seizures: Midazolam or Diazepam 0.3mg/kg IV/IO/IN prn; Midazolam can be administered IM;
Diazepam can be administered per rectum
• Manage Cerebral Edema: Mannitol 0.5–1g/kg IV over 20min
OR
Hypertonic Saline 4mL/kg IV bolus over 15min
• Control Pathologic Ventricular Arrhythmias: Lidocaine 2mg/kg IV bolus then
50–75mcg/kg/min CRI
• Control Hypoglycemia: Supplement IV fluids to 2.5–5% final dextrose concentration; monitor blood
glucose every 4–6 hours
Notes, Cautions, Warnings
• Panting is the only significant cooling mechanism for dogs
• No specific body temperature defines heat stroke in MWDs. Most commonly, heat stroke is seen in
MWDs with rectal temperatures greater than 107°F
• MWDs commonly have prolonged clotting times and platelet abnormalities following heatstroke.
Monitor for bleeding and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Given the lack of canine blood
products, any MWD with evidence of bleeding should be evacuated URGENTLY to a veterinary facility.
Reference: K9 CPGs
82 • MILITARY WORKING DOG (MWD)